Methotrexate | Arthritis Information

 

Hi everyone.  Anyone use this?  Could you please share your experience?  We are currently trying to conceive so I am delaying the start of this medication for awhile to see if we get lucky.  I have been reading several scary stories about this medication.

TIA

Leslie

Everyone is afraid of it initially.  It is definitely something you aren't supposed to take if you are wanting to concieve. 

Everyone reacts differently, but for the most part, people do fine on it and it seems to be the most commonly prescribed med for RA.  The really high doses are what get you.  Some people react badly, but I haven't had one single effect from it. 

Definitely do your research so that you feel comfortable with what you have to take.

Yes I am definetly not going to take the medication while we are trying to conceive.

I appreciate your response.  After reading some other posters regarding mtx, I am feeling better about it.

Thanks again.

Leslie~I'm a big fan of Methotrexate; but I've had my children. If I had my heart set on having any more children at any point in the future I'd be concerned.

I went into early menopause at age 32 after being on MTX for less than two years. Now they aren't certain if it was the MTX or RA itself; but I suspect the medication myself.

Definately do your research. Although I'm the only one here with this particular problem from RA or the Meds itself; it's not unheard of. Definately discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Other than that MTX has been a real life saver for me. I hope to continue using it for years to come.

You shouldn't take the word of a member of this board as to whether you should or should not take mtx while trying to get pregnant.  They are NOT doctors!  Talk to you rheumy about that.  It may also depend on how much mtx the rheumy wants to put you on initially. 

Susan

I'm on it - but I'm not in the market for anymore children. It really hasn't been a big deal physically. Emotionally, it was a huge deal at first. Every month, I've upped the dose, and now, we're adding Arava, as well. You know what? After a bit, you stop thinking about it. Make sure you take your folic acid, once you're on it. That's the most important thing. Well, I wasn't trying to tell her what to do, I only know that I was asked by my medical doctor whether I planned on having children anymore.  She was not going to give me MTX if I wanted children, just my experience.  Obviously, you must speak to your doctor and follow that advice.  I was just trying to be helpful. i have been told by my RD that i CANNOT get preggo while i am on MTX, the amount of time i have to be off it has vaired by what my dr says and what i have heard from other members.  it does say on the instrustions for the medicine from what i belive that you shouldnt take it while you are preggo.  hope it helps but above all no matter what we say always talk to a dr bout meds

MTX can cause birth defects. It is usually recommended to be off of it for a certain time before getting pregnant. Some women have miscarried because of it.

The good thing about getting pregnant is that some women go into remission during their pregnancy. Not all do, though.

Get your gyn and your Rheumy talking to each other. That way, you will be able to get the best treatment and the healthiest baby.

They also give MTX to induce miscarriage.

So basically if you get pregnant while on it you will most likely miscarry and if you dont, you might have a two headed baby.

I wouldnt recommend it if you are trying for a baby....but then what do I know? I am not a doctor...I can read, and I know what my doctor told me. But you can ask your doc. If they tell you its okay to take...they are wrong.

I do know for a fact that you can not take MTX while pgn. Like Crunchy said; if you doctor says you can...their wrong; and by the time you realize it....it will be too late. I PERSONALLY would not chance it.

Leslie asked for our opinions and experience....that's what she got.

Hi Leslie,
I got RA while I was pregnant and was told the only safe drug was
prednisone. I was also allowed to take voltaren (diclofenac) for a
while, but it also posed a risk to my unborn baby in the last
trimester so I stopped taking it (as advised by my GP and
rheumatologist). My daughter is now five months old and I've
stopped breastfeeding so I can take stronger medication. In previous
discussions my rheumotologist said he wants me to have
methotrexate. I haven't started it yet because I still want to know all
the facts (pros, cons, etc) and also about my options for having
another baby. My understanding is that MTX can really mess with cell
reproduction and therefore cause genetic deformities in an unborn
baby. Perhaps this is why there is a high risk of miscarriage. If you
are planning to conceive I would discuss this with your doctor and try
to find an alternative drug that is safe for you and baby.
Good luck and I hope all goes well.
Shannon
Rude indeed.

I have had trouble with my periods since I started MTX. Just went off of it in June and had my first period in 8 months. My rheumie told me that they used to give MTX to patients to abort tubular pregnancies. We may not be doctors on this board but we ask questions and find out about the medications we are putting in our body.

Good Luck to you!

Hi Shannon,

  When I started the MTX, I had to sign a waiver releasing my Doc if I was to become pregnant. So, I don't think getting pregnant on MTX is a very good idea! Thats all I know...

Deb
What we know is our own experience....that's more than enough for me. When I have a question about a mediation I personally like to hear from others who have been there before me. Their personal experience is very valuable to me. I think others here feel the same way.

my doc told me it was not a good idea to get pregnant while on mtx because it causes birth defects. she said if i was ever planning on getting pregnant, to talk to her right away.

 

Lovie, I totally agree! I'm sure everyone knows that they should
question their doctors/specialists in regards to medication and
treatment for their specific illness, but there's nothing like hearing
first hand the experience of other sufferers. Then you can make up
your own mind about what you should do. One thing I have learnt
from reading the posts on this forum is that RA (and the drugs used
to manage it) affects everyone differently.
I found a patient information form on the net about the MTX
injection which was really interesting. It states that MTX works by
preventing the growth of certain cells (which is probably why it's
used for cancer patients). However, it can cause damage to an
unborn baby and can even cause genetic problems if the baby is
conceived while you are taking MTX. Here's the link if you're
interested:
http://www.appco.com.au/appguide/drug.asp?
drug_id=00096407&t=cmi

Thanks for the link Shannon...
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