side effects of methatrexate

faye · Silver Member Joined: 25 May 2001 Posts: 239

I am on Methotrexate for a few days already. I have heard that generally, the incidence and severity of acute side effects are related to dose and frequency of administration. My friend that uses it for a long time told me about some serious side effects of it. I didn’t consult my doctor about those side effects yet because I didn’t feel anything, but I am a little bit afraid. I would like to know something about side effects of Methotrexate, to know what I should expect.

odolf · Silver Member Joined: 05 Jul 2000 Posts: 293

The most serious side effects with Methotrexate are discussed under organ system toxicity in the precaution section. This section should also be consulted when looking for information about adverse reactions with Methotrexate. The most frequently reported side effects include ulcerative stomatitis, leucopenia, nausea, and abdominal distress. Some other frequently reported side effects are malaise, undue fatigue, chills and fever, dizziness, and decreased resistance to infection. There are some side effects that should be discussed by organ system. Cardiovascular system might be affected with pericarditis, pericardial effusion, hypotension, and thromboembolic events. Here are included arterial thrombosis, cerebral thrombosis, deep vein thrombosis, retinal vein trombosis, and pulmonary embolus. Central nervous system reports headaches, drowsiness, blurred vision, speech impairment, and hemiparesis. There have been case reports of sometimes fatal opportunistic infections in patients receiving Methotrexate therapy for neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases. Stress fracture is one of musculoskeletal system problem, or side effect that might occur while using Methotrexate.

Guest · Guest

[methotrexate has changed my life. i am completely clear of psoriasis.
i do have side effects - such as abdominal pain, chest pains, tiredness, and inflamed lungs. so what. clear skin is an absolute pleasure. my kids can hug me without me feeling acute pain. i would rather die tomorrow than have psoriasis haunt my body again. i love my life, my kids and my husband without soreness. this is finally me, free of skin hurt. Rolling Eyes

Jane23 · Supporter Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 470

Hello! Are you saying that you don’t mind the side effects that this drug gives you, that they are bearable?
I was reading about this skin condition and it sounds really though.
I hope you don’t mind me asking but I would like to know a little bit more. In what way did this skin condition influence your life? You said you were in a lot of pain. I was reading that the skin may bleed and crack.

I realize there is no cure for it, right? What about this drug methotrexate then? Did your skin get clear with it or the skin lesions are still there and you feel pain free? Do you have to be on drugs your whole life?

Thank you very much for your time!

trinqets · Newbie Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 1 Location: Wayne, PA

Greetings all and thanks for all the shared information. I am new to RA (2 months now but my Rh factor was 91 (YIKES). It's in my hands and feet and creeping elsewhere. I took my first dose of Methotrexate yesterday. (15mgs per week) Today I have a fever which I am trying to keep minimal with lots of water and tylenol.

Since I am new, some of my questions may seem simple and BUT I am sincere here so please help. Of course I've been in denial over the last 2 months but I am ready to be serious now.

I am an active mid fiftes woman...I even biked over the weekend...but I've been on prednisone for a 2 months (now only 5mg) and so was feeling almost normal....

My basic questions to start

Do you take Methotrexate for ever?
SHould I be on a more agressive (and expensive) treatment
Which med and how much or how long. What does that cost?
After you are on Methotrexate for a time does the pain subside?
What do you do about colds, sinus infections etc.?

There are a lot of forums out there...which ones would you recommend to exchange information.

Thanks so much to everyone.
Joanne

leilam · Newbie Joined: 14 Aug 2006 Posts: 1

I am currently taking methatrexate 4 pills one day a week, mobic daily, and metanx daily. The pain decreased but never got to a comfortable level until I started the alkaline diet. I had to change a lot of my eating habits. I have been on it for over 2 weeks and some days I feel normal. The pain is reduced about 90%. I am 61.

Guest · Guest

I am starting methatrexate tomorrow. I take 5 mg of prednisone a day and will start folic acid with the methatrexate. The dosage is low - three 2.5 pills once a week. What are some of the ill effects I may encounter?

Guest · Guest

I have been on Methatrexate for 2months now. I am finding that I sweat alot I actually wake up sweating and there is nothing I can do to control this apart from standing infront of a fan, I then risk getting a severe chest
infection. I also have a lot of mouth ulcers, very annoying. The worst of the side effects I have is being tired all the time and dreading a new day. My zest for life is not there anymore. It is a hard decision to go off the drug and feel the pain or stay on it and feel the way I do.
After I take methatrexate I feel ill for a day or two.Good luck to you I hope you have less side effects than me.

jule · Newbie Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 2

I am 34 years old and have been on 10mg methotrexate now for a few months, and it is great. I have seronegative arthritis, and my knees are the worst hit areas, but I do get it in my shoulders, hands, and feet as well. I find I get headaches quite frequently and wondering whether anyone else experienced loss of libido. This is noticable when I have to double my dose to 20mg, when my knees get really bad. Other than that it is pretty good.

Guest · Guest

i am 35 years old and i have SLE(lupus) last year i took echinacea and it caused severe pain all over ny bocy i flet like i was paralised my family had to do everyting for me and i have 2 young chhildren who helped me alot my doctors put me on methotrexate 2 tablets once a week but i had to go down to 1 and a half as the i suffering bad side affects severe nausea and headaches. i do get a lack of libido and my memory is not to good has anyone else notice that as well. i tend to have nausea 6 days a week but if i eat more often it keeps it under control. i take mulivitamins to help with the immune system. i have been on these for about 5 months now.

side effects of methatrexate

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