Does anyone split up their dosage of methotrexate? Like a little
bit each day? And if so, does it alleviate the side effects and
does it work as well? I recall that I read that this could be
done and it would be interesting to get some feedback on this.
Thanks
Hi there. I've not split my methotrexate - but I did start taking it at about 4:30 pm in the evening. It has helped to alleviate my symptoms. My doc also said I could split it during the same day, but did not mention over a couple of days. It will be interesting to hear if anyone else has any experience with this! Take care!
Jen
I was told to never take MTX on more than one day of the week. I'm off it now, but when I was taking it, I took one pill in the morning, one at lunch and the final one at dinner.I have severe reactions to it and it was better stretching it out like this. Other people can taolerate taking it all at once, usually at night. Everyone is different.I have always done the injections myself, and not had any GI problems. Still some hair loss and mouth sores, but I get mouth sores anyways.Now I am on 10 mg. I take 2 Tuesday night and two Wednesday night.
The rationale, I believe, is to minimize the side effects. the only problem I've had is fatigue and usually on Thursday but with time that has even disappeared.
N&T you should probable get your doctors premission first; but I have heard of others doing this as well. If that doesn't help your symptoms the injections might be the trick for you. It's absorbed into the body differently and often easier to accept for some.
I personally take 10 pills all at once. It's prefer to get it over with all at one time verses dragging it out.....but then again the few side effects I've had have been rather mild. If I had some of the issues I've heard about I would probable be looking for alternative options too.
Best of luck.
Isn't the object of taking your dose in one hit to have maximum effect? I'm on 7.5 mg and felt like I'd swallowed a hot refuse lorry for the first week. My RA doc said I could inject if the side affects were too much. Happily, it settled and I'm ok with tabs. My point is - if the tabs make you sick isn't the best option to inject rather than spread the dose? I think you should consult the doc first.
I finally heard back from my rheumy and she said it was okay to split it for 2 days only. Of course it's a trial run and we will see what happens.
fyi-
I have found pharmacists to be helpful with these kinds of questions and much easier to get to than the doc. They will even go so far as to help you prompt your doc to prescribe lucovorin calcium to go along with mtx to help ease side effects.
My RD had said to take it all within 24 hours - could be overnight, though. I haven't had many of the problems that others have with MTX. Do you make sure you have a meal high in carbs & something like a banana to chase it with? That tip came from Arizonara, and I've never had a problem. I hope it eventually settles down for you (I'm up to 15 mg., BTW).Marian~
The pharmasist (however you spell that) is a good idea. Several years ago I started going to the same Kerr Drug near my house. I'm in there so much with so many meds he and all the staff there know me.
He knows what to watch for of course because all my medications are in the computer.....but I've called him several times for advise with medications. He's always so helpful and takes his sweet time explaining things and warning me what to watch for.
In the early years I went to Wal-mart or where ever was most convienent. But I've learned that it's well worth the trouble to get to know your pharmasist.....and a small drug store is best.
I would love to deal with a small drug store but my coverage is through Medco. We are supposed to get as much as possible written for a 3-month supply and send either through the mail or computer or fax directly to them. All mail order. They are a very annoying company. In getting my Humira--the approval process was screwed up--then they tell you it will arrive one day and it doesn't. You call them, you are put on hold for an eternity, then they re-schedule. I spend my life on the phone with them--on hold. It is cheaper but then you don't have that relationship to ask questions.That really does suck Cat! I hate the way some of these insurance companies treat you just like another dollar instead of a human being.
What happens if you go to your GP and just have to get an antibiotic that day? Do you stil have to use the mail order company?
If not I'd try to establish a relationship with a local pharmacy and have them enter all of your other medications into their system. That way they can monitor you for interactions and such. Quite often some of these smaller pharmacy's are willing to talk to you about medications even if you are not a regular customer.
You have to do what you have to do though. These medications are so crazy expensive. My humira alone is worth about ,000 a year! Who on earth can afford to pay that out of pocket? Certainly not me.