i was just diagnosed with pa, have had fibro for many years. I am suppose to have started metho and folic acid on friday, but i am too scared too, worried about being sick for days. and worried about the unknown! how have others been affected the first time they started it?
Hi,
I take MTX to supplement infliximab (remicade). I started on a low dose (2.5mg) and built up to 7.5mg, apparently this makes the nausea less as you get used to it gradually. I'm not sure what advice you've been given but I take 5mg folic acid every day apart from the day I take MTX. I also take a multivit that has folic acid in it. Take your MTX at night so that if you do get nauseous it is easier to bear. You can get some tablets to help if you do have nausea, they are called buccastem in UK and you put them under your top lip nad let them dissolve. I had some nausea when I took a higher dose of folic acid but only for about a day. Now I'm settled on a lower dose and ocasionally get a bit queasy (especially if I've been drinking during the week...) but not much more than that. Remember everyone is different and although some people will be really affected others will be fine. All I can say is give it a go - if it works and you can cope with it you'll feel the benefit!
Good Luck!
KT
It is scarey to start taking mtx, but you have to to help get pa under control. As suggested take it in the evening so most of the symptoms aren't bothering you. Alot of people take it the first night of their two days off from work so they have time to rest before going back to work. Make sure to drink lots of water, this helps to make you feel better sooner. It will take alittle bit to get use to the mtx, but once you do you should be fine, if the nausea continues, if it is hard on your stomach ask for injectable mtx. meme