I started mtx in Jan. '06 when I was diagnosed with RA. I also take folic acid daily. When I started mtx I got mouth sores, but that got better and I've only had mild GI upset.
Now I just dread mtx days because I get such a stomach ache and diarrhea for about 2 days afterward. I haven't changed doses and I haven't stopped taking the folic acid. I take 15 mg once a week. Even taking it at night doesn't help because I'm up during the night and I'm sick the next day.
Does it make sense that the side effects could get worse after being on mtx for almost a year? Has anyone else been through this?
I haven't heard of that...why don't you try injectable? I have had NO side effects (other than fatigue) with it. I love the injectable.
Phatgirl2
Hi Scout, I take 17.5 mg Methotrexate once per week, straight after my dinner - around 6pm. I also have 1x5 mg folic acid tablet each night before bed (except for the night before and the night that I take my MTX) - so that's 5 nights for the folic acid.
My Spec. told me that it is very important to have the MTX on a full stomach, advised after main evening meal at night, and except for once when I didn't eat very much for dinner that night, I haven't had any nausea or diarrhea probs. I also take Placquenil & Brufen after the evening meal, and my Prednisone, as advised, after a good breakfast. I also have Fosamax 1x weekly 1/2 hr before food in morning)
Probably the only comfort problem that I have, apart from the usual aches and pains of the RA, is heartburn - I am taking Losec for this, one after breakfast with my Pred., and 1 at night with my Folic Acid.
It all seeems to work out pretty well - hate it all of course, but hey, damned if ya do, and double damned if ya don't!
Good luck and hope you can get back on track soon. There's enough to put up already with this RA & stuff - who needs the nausea & stomach & toilet problems.
Take care
I was on MTX for about two years and finally had to go off it. I didn't get stomach trouble or diarhea but was so dizzy and fatigued, I couldn't function for days afterward. I could only tolerate 5 mg even with 4 folic acids. Some people do well on it, others have terrible side effects. When I took it, I took one dose F riday morning, and one at lunch. It started to kick in by b edtime and that gave me the weekend to recover in time for work on Monday. Now I'm on Enbrel and plaquanil and feeling better although the progresion of RA is still a problem. The doctors tend to be very heavy handed with the meds when you are first diagnosed and may taper off later if you are lucky.
Like Lori said; I'd try the injections if I was you. I take 25mg orally; but don't have bad side effects. A little....but not enough to stop taking it.
I imagine the injections would be helpful with the stomach issues.
My experience with MTX is similar to the above. I've taken as many as 7 (during extreme flare ups), also 4, and now 2 a week. I also take 2 T of Metamusal, so maybe that helps the diarrhea and I didn't realise it. I never had mouth sores, that must be awful. I take 800 mgs of folic. I do feel 'strange' and a bit fatigued, but not terrible. I don't know what to suggest. Could you split them up (I know the doctors say take them all at once? but???? fortunately there are a lot of other choices of drugs these days. Good luck in your quest for relief and good health As with the biologics, MTX side-effects can occur or worsen at any point in treatment. Possibly asking about Leucovrin ( which is taken anywhere from 8-12 hrs. after the MTX) as a "rescue" drug might help you. My last Rheum. would not give above 10 mg. without also prescribing leucovorin. It improved my fatigue, mouth sores, and hair loss--never had GI problems. Good Luck!