Methotrexate and Stomach | Arthritis Information

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Hello Everyone!
I'm On Methotrexate once a week and find i get an upset stomach the day i take it and the day after, i was told by my doctor this could happen, but was wondering How many Others are getting the same thing?? and if it was such a common side effect?

Thanks :)

<3
Bon, 

 
I see that you just joined yesterday.  Welcome to the forum.  I have only been a member for a short period of time but I find it very helpful as I'm sure you will too.
 
I do not take methotrexate but I have read on different forums about alot of people who have issues with upset stomach that take methotrexate.  There is something they take with it to help and don't quote me but I think its folic acid.  I'm sure someone who takes methotrexate will respond to you soon.  I wish you the best and hope you feel better real soon.
 
Sincerely,
Jeni
B-L,
 
When I used to take mtx, I always had nausea and other side effects. I was told to take it before bed. I did and most of the side effects, I slept through. Oh, and over time the side effects became lessened.
 
LEV
levlarry2010-10-26 08:15:48Hi Bon, I've been on MTX for about 8 weeks now, to clarify supposedly I don't know if it is real MTX or a placebo, since I am in a drug trial.  But I think there are enough examples to suggest I am on the real MTX.  Because on that day I feel nauseous and kind of run down.  I have to take 6 capsules, so they told me 3 in the morning and 3 in the evening, always with some food.  Don't notice unusual stomach problems, just the nausea and feeling run down.

Roland
 
Hit or miss with me. Somtimes nothing, other times Nausea. Take with lots of food and waterNew here also.  I was diagnosed in May of this year and on MTX for about 3 months now.  I take it at bedtime, make sure I have a snack with it and I also keep some ginger mints near by just in case.  The ginger in any form, fresh or a candy really helps if the quesies get me. 
 
I was also told to take some milk thistle supplements to help with liver function.  And of course the folic acid to keep the hair lost from happening.  All seem to be working for me.
 
Peppi
Thanks Jeni im glad to have joined i think its a really great site i wish i found it earlier :) and Thanks Everyone you really eased my mind :)  I am taking Folic Acid which i think helps but also my doctor told me to take Methotrexate in the mornings so im going to have a chat to him about maybe taking it at night as that sounds like a very good idea!
Cheers everyone <3
bon-louise,
  Welcome to the site, tho I'm sorry "Arthur" attacked you so young -  at least he had the decency for me to live a few more years before getting his teeth into me!
 
Peppi-K (welcome to you, too  :)  )  has some good tips.  Someone years ago on this site gave me the tip about taking mtx in the evening, and it does help.  It did take several m onths before my body adjusted tho.  Was also told to drink p lenty of water esp. the day of the dose and day after.  I do anyway - come from a fairly warm climate so easy  to do.
 
If you do a search on this site for posts with "mtx" I'm sure you wil get some more good advice. 
Best of luck with it, and I trust it works well for you.
 
Lorraine
 
Methotrexate comes in capsules? Really? I took it for 17 years and never knew that. Mine were always little round uncoated pills.
 
Your doctor should have told you to take folic acid for the nausea. But you're in a drug trial so you'd better check to see if you can take 1-2 mg daily of Folic Acid. Get an Rx. Don't buy the OTC stuff.
Why are they doing a clinical trial on Methotrexate? The stuff is older than the hills.Sam, I assume the questions are for me.  The trial is actually focused on Actemra combined with MTX.  There are 4 groups:
MTX Alone, Actemra Placebo
MTX plus Actemra (low dose)
MTX plus Actemra (higher dose)
MTX placebo plus Actemra
- Course I don't know officially which group I am in.

Yes, I do (have to) take Folic Acid as well, every day, 1mg.  I just checked and yes the MTX is in capule form (I can squeeze the sides).  But they are shorter than what we typically see as capsules, a brownish rust color.  The first month was 3 mg/week, or once a week.  Now they said 6 mg/week, 3mg once in the morning, then again 3 mg at night.

I did buy the OTC Folic acid, the Pharmacist (and I think the trial coordinator) said same as the prescription.  However, why do you suggest the prescription version?  Thanks.

Roland

B-L,
 
I think the most important information (that I had forgotten and that 6t5 mentioned) drink lots of water with it, the water dilutes the mtx and so makes it less loading to the liver. i think that i would drink 16 oz of pure water with the tablets and drink water throughout the next day. I think this also lessens the side effects.
 
LEV
 
 
Ramen,
 
Thanks for the explanation about the trial. That makes sense.
 
The reason I discourage people from using OTC folic acid is because most OTC stuff is manufactured in China and there's no Quality Control. You have no way of knowing exactly what's in the pill. The bottle may say "Distributed in USA" but this means nothing.
 
Buying the Folic Acid from the pharmacist is cheap. I get 60 of them for .29.
I have taken methotrexate along with many other drugs for years.  I take 8 tabs once a week and 4 folic acid daily.  I take mine in the a.m. along with my injectable med.  I do drink a lot of water everday which may help.  Hope you find the right receipe that works for you!
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