Methotrexate

I started the injectable and was doing fine but trying to keep up with the perscription every month was tuff.  I also didn't like the way I felt after taking it.  I took the pills but they made me nausiated and I started loosing my appetite and loosing weight. I don't like the pill form or the injectable. I have to tell my Doc that I have stopped taking it. She is not going to like it but I want to feel normal not sick. I hope this helps

Well I get my first shot this afternoon. I rir try the pills a few years back and was very sick on them. I have read nothing good in the past week about methotrexate shots. i have read people with naseua, sore joints, sore calves, permanent nerve damage fro methotrexate shots in calves and feet, and have had operations from the nerve damage in feet. Also people who have lost their hair, weight and have fatigue. There has not been one good thing I have read. THe sad thing is I am 39 and scared my RA specialist will be mad if I dont go on them as she had ben so persistent. Its stupid I feel like I am 4 and have to do what she says even if I am in disagreement. i know I am geeting worse, I know the plaquenil, and sulfasalazine I am on are not curing me. But there is no CURE. Only a way t possible slow it down. So I am not in agreement especially after reading all the negative comments I have read. And all the other problems created by the shots or pills. I am already fatigued, in pain and hane joing sweeling, do I also need to be sick, naseuated, bald, get calf pain and nerve damage and possibly lymphoma cancer?????????Its absolutely stupid that I at my age am to scared to say no I dont want the poison thank you.....Why do I feel as if I am 4 and have no say in the poison they want to give me.??and obviously others are scared t tell their DR to that they want to discontinue meds they dont want to take. Whats wrong with this, its our body, our disease, and the DR does not live with the disease or the side effects of the meds. Yes I am sure they have the patients best interest at heart as many other patients are on the drugs, you can be to.. BUt they dont live my life and they dont feel what I feel when they go home at night from their job. They are trained highly to Be DRs but we as humans are not all the same and do not all react the same to meds. But due to fear of ******* my DR off today at 1:30 I will start a med shot that I have read nothing good on for one week off surfing the net...thanks for everyones coments. Truely only those with RA know how RA feels, even though we all have different symptoms and degree of RA. Thanks Shan

Isn't that funny how we feel like a 4 year old scared to tell a doc our thoughts and feelings.  We are the ones that keep them in business. I can relate to what your saying.  I to have a hard time telling my doc.  All she says is you need to take all these drugs in conjuction so that they will work correctly in your system. BULLony!! Well all the Dr. can say is well I will not be treating you anymore.  And I will say good because there are plenty of other Doc. in the area that would take my insurance.  I didn't know it causes nerve damages.  I'm having numbness in my feet as we speak. The nerve in my left eye has been jumping for over two weeks.  I plan on going to the eye doc tomorrow.  I don't like it but I have to keep living.  I know she is going to want blood work next month.  I have not been taking the methox so I'm going to just tell her with a staight face and say it is making me sick and I cannot take it. I told her that before but she wanted me to start the injectable.  Her comment was it should not be that hard on your stomach. Whatever lady!!!! I'm getting fed up.  In my hospital alone. I have went through at least 3 doc at the RA office.  It seems they just want to feed you drugs and move on to the next patient.  Sorry for the ramble.  But it's just crazy..

I understand what you are going through.  I suggest  you find a new rheumatologist.  I went through 3 before I found one I was comfortable with and took the time to alleviate my fears.  I am going to be starting the Methetrexate pills this week.  I was very concerned about all of the side effects and my rheumatologist went thru them all with me.  the chances of hair loss, cancer, lung disease and such are slim.  The most common symptom is fatigue but that generally is only for about 24 hours after you take the pills and it generally gets better.  This is because your body is trying to heal itself and does so better when you are sleeping.  You can also alleviate alot of the side effects by taking folic acid vitamins.  Take them every day except on the day you take your methotrexate pills.  I have not taken the shots as yet and I hope I wont need to but maybe if you talk to your doctor about your concerns on the side effects they will be able to explain them to you.  Everyone is different and will have different responses so you and your doctor will need some time to find the perfect dosage and procedure for you.  I am 29 and have been battling this for 4 years now.  The other drugs have not helped me.  Currently I am on arthrotec, sulfasalazine and plaquinel.  I wish you the best of luck

Hi Tammy. I started on Plaquenil, sulfasalazine and methotrexate pills. The pills actually bothered my stomach more then the shots. I no longer am on sulfasalazine as I was not geting better. So they switched me to Humira shots biweekly(extrememly painful going in) as well as still the plaquenil and I also inject the methotrexate at home weeky. Every thursday, and every other day I take folic acid. I started Humira last oct. I feel no real bebefit yet. Joint pain in better but fatigue is nuts. I dont know if its the meds, the RA or the fibromyalgia. I am just...so beat. Anyway. Thats my till July 2009 plan.I guess well see how it goes from there. You started a few years early with the RA then me. I never would have thought being active, young, and healthy, with no genetic predisposition I would have ever had RA. Or anything else of course. You just learn I guess to live with it, but its hard as this is no where near the active life I lead. The side effects of Huira bother me more then the methotreate shots now. Humira is so new, who knows long term side effects? And reading some peoples side effects on here make me more leary, but every second thursday I hit the pen, and inject the meds. Any way thanks for every and anyones input. Shan

I did the pills a few years back. They made me extremely nauseated and very tired. So I have been on Plaquenil and sulfasaliazine. I am getting worse, so they want to try the injections. I had one on wednesday, and have been tired, nauseated and very stiff in back since, I will try it for a few months to see if it gets better in time.The only problem is it is a weekily shot that I have to go to town for, I live an hour from the doctor. I Know my RA specialist wants me to do these for 12 weeks then go on to Embrel. WHat can you tell me about your embrel side effects ect? Do you give your own shot or have to go to the clinic? How are you feeling on it, how long have you been on it??Thanks for your reply, hope to hear back from you. Thanks shan

Hi Shan,

 

Enbrel is an amazing drug but the shots are awful.  I do the 50mg, once weekly, self-injector at home.  It's easy to do, I get a 4-week supply at a time.  Very straightforward, takes about 15 seconds but it's.... awful. I won't lie to you because you need to know - it's like fire shooting into your leg (where I generally do it, ) spreading out around it and it can be tender for 10 minutes or so afterward.  I've gotten bruises the size of silver dollars, rashes and stiffness around the injection site.  I've experienced multi-day headaches and my concentration level has shot way down. I find that  if I take some sort of pain relief beforehand (30 minutes to an hour) then it hurts much less. On Sunday I took nothing and cried when the medicine started going in. The needle is tiny and painless.

 

The good news?  It's a miracle drug, period. For a small number of folks I hear it doesn't do much but for the vast majority it's just heavenly.  Within 2 weeks I noticed an improvement in my mobility and a decrease in my morning pain. The shots are definitely worth it.  The only other downside is the cost.  A lot of insurance plans won't cover it at all.  I'm lucky in that mine does 100%.  It's about $1600 a month otherwise.

 

If you're able to, give it a shot.  (HA Ha!)

 

There are forms you and the doctor fill out asking for some financial relief which may be of interest. 

I thought if you got a rash that was a reaction that you were allergic or not supposed to take it ? Sounds like hell to give yourself a needle knowing the burning pain and all that, must be worth it in the long run for you to have the courage to do it. Where are you from?

I think a small amount of rash around the injection site is relatively common.  My doctor wasn't concerned about it.  Regarding the ability to actualyl give myself the shots - it's not easy. The first time I had to have someone with me because knowing I was about to cause myself pain was enough to keep me from doing the shot.  There was one night I sat there for 45 minutes with the needle pressed against my thigh willing myself to do the shot and just could not. I was in tears and had to give up.  About an hour later I though, well this is silly of me!  In the end I want to be healthy and my little one needs a healthy Mama.  So I grabbed another needle, sat down on the couch and said, ok no counting down, no rationlizing why I don't need to do this.  I said "this is for my son" and sure enough, shot msyelf in the leg no problem.  Maybe I seem like a chicken for it but those things really hurt.  The key is, if you have issues as I do, finding something that makes everything in life worth it - any amount of pain. For me it's my son.

 

He and I live in Sacramento, CA. :) 

If you switch to the two shots a week you will be happy.  They don't burn.  It is a different preserative in it.  I was on the two shots for 9 years and was happy.  It wasn't until the nurse in my doctors office switched me to the one shot the I became allergic to Enbrel.  I really miss it.  I started Humara and developed breast cancer almost immediately.  Good luck with the Enbrel.

Vicki

Man I have been doing Humira now since oct 2008 every 2 weeks. This breast cancer is scaring me. Seems theres more then one on here whos had that side effect. I hate these biologics, there are no long term effects known as they are so new. I am so scared. Its like you are between a rock and a hard place. Meds to slow RA effects, but meds, can cause so much more in the long run. I just did my methotrexate and Humira shot today. I hate not knowing what its doing! I do not feel great benefits..what do i do keep going?? i dont want cancer, and it seems Humara has a bad side effect of lymphoma cancers, i guess thats why the breast cancer seems to be common on here any way. I am just scared. Honest I dont know what to do, or who to even talk to. I know my parents want me off it, and I know my Rhumatologist is pushing it. WHAT DO I DO!

Ask your doctor about Enbrel.  I was on it for 10 years with no problems until the nurse switched me to one shot a week.  If you go on Enbrel, insist on the two shots a week.  They work well and don't hurt.  The one shot a week hurts and it has a different preservative.  I was allergic to the preservative. 

I HAVE BEEN ON METH FOR 6 MONTHS. MY DR HAS INCREASED MY DOSE ONCE. I AM TAKING THE LIQUID ORAL MY DR WANTS ME TO START ENBREL I HAVE NO INSURANCE AND CAN NOT AFFORD 1000 A MONTH.THE METH DOSEN'T SEEM TO BE WORKING AS I DO HAVE PAIN. GRANTED I HAVE BEEN IN WORSE PAIN. I AM STILL TAKING PREDNISONE,5MG, BUT I WANT TO BE ABLE TO FUNCTION WITHOUT MEDS. I AM TIRED OF IT ALL. DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. ALL THE MEDS COST AND THE SIDE EFFECETS ARE SCARY. I AM READY TO GIVE UP

CIN1007.

Please  don't  talk like that..R/A   is  mean and nasty......don't  never  give up  on helping  yourself  find some reelief......... there is help out there for you............I understand how  you feel i truly do.my pain at times is almost  unbearable.......but, i don't   let it  get  me down.....I scream and cry at lot..........have for years..........Methotraxate helps   to stop the spread of r/a  so keep taking it ......at least you want be crippled up.....please call this  number for help.

Abbott patience assistance foundation............1-800-222-6885

God Bless You, My prayers  are with you

Betty in Tenn

I am so sorry for you that the meds are not covered, I hate to hear that! Its so unfair, its not like one asked to be sick, and its a kick in the *** when they throw that at you to. You shouldnt have to pay physically and finacially. I am so sorry. I live in Canada, as long as we have a few health plans, most will be covered(Not all yet) and you do have to qualify by proving nothing else has worked for you(cheaper drugs such as Plaquienil, sulfasalazine, and meth ect) before they will put you on the newer drugs, Embrel, Remicade, Humaria ect. I do know the province next to me has now approved provincially(without buying coverage) to cover Embrel and one other to help people with a few diff forms of Arthritis. Which if I dont qualify here, one day I may move to the next province to be covered. I am sorry and I hope you dont give up , I am so sorry it come down to$ thats just wrong. For one of the richest countries in the world(Not like its 3rd world). I have days when i want to just give up on meds and let nature take its course, but then as the pain hits harder, I rethink that and take my meds. I do have 4 kids who rly on me. As well hopefully one day grandchildren i can watch grow up. If you ever need to talk this is a great avenue. Or even face book . Or even if you want call me to talk I can give you my number if you feel like ever having a heart to heart. DONT GIVE UP, Bless you shan.

Ever tried or looked into yoga as an option ? Have RA, not as severe as yours perhaps but have been on medication for 5 years. Am doing breathing exercises which are good for your nervous system which in turn affects your immune system. Its not a lot of hocus pocus stuff there is a lot of science behind it. Go to the internet and google 'pranayam' and read about. Unlike drugs there are no side effects or any downside to this therapy. I know many people who do regular yoga and swear by its positive effects. I'm willing to try anything that might help me wean myself from strong drugs/chemicals. May not cure the disease but at least all this chemical junk wont totally poison my body and destroy the healthy parts !

I have been taking Methotraxate for over 10 years and haven't had any problems.  I was only on Humaria for three weeks when I found a lump in my breast.  Three weeks later it had doubled in size.  I had all the test and it came back cancer.  Three weeks later it was 2.3cm when they took it out.  At first they thought it was regular type cancer untill they did an oncotype which came back the most aggressive kind of cancer. I called my RA doctor to tell him about the cancer.  He said not to take another shot because they did not know what Humaria does to cancer.  I believe it caused mine and made it aggressive. I had radiation and then chemo.  The chemo did like my body and attacked my breast.  I lost half my breast to the cancer and half to the chemo.  I believe Humaria caused some change in my body that did this.

   My friend lost her mother-in-law last year from lung cancer.  They thought the chemo and surgery had gotten it all until she fell and broke her neck.  They went in to fix her neck and discovered a large mass in her spine.  The chemo didn't stop it.  She died.  She had been on Humaria.  If you are on it please be aware of any changes in your body.  It seems to really love cancer.

I am sorry for you. I started Humira last 0ct 2008, take one every 2 weeks, also inject myself with Methotrexate every thurs. Still on plaquenil, and a folic acid every day but thurs. Humira has a tack record from what I have read and even been told by mhy doc of causing a number of lymphoma cancers. I was extremely scared to start the meds. Was on Arava for July, it almost killled me, was so sick wanted to go to the vet and be put to sleep. Took Aug and sept to detox. Then like I said i started Humira. A few times with in the month my breasts have been tender and had a lump, but it went away by 2 weeks so I figured it was hormones. I can honestly say, I am not so sure the Humira for me has really done much. My joints hurt a bit less. My fatigue is ridiculous. i feel so bad for my kids..I practically am in bed while they are in school all day, then see them for an hour and back to bed. Honestly the fatigue is bothering me worse then the pain. I also do have fibromyalgia. So i really dont know if its the RA or the Fibromyalgia.Does any one else have any input on the fatigue?Is mine a little ridiculous??or just the norm. I hope everyone the best. thanks shan

First,  please go to your doctor andget a memogram done on your breast.  It is better to be safe than sorry.  I was on Enbrel for about 9 years and it really helped with my pain, stiffness and energy.  My complection was also nice.  I would still be on it but a nurse changed me from two shots a week to one shot a week and the one shot meds had a different preserative in it that I was allergic to so I had to stop taking it.  I think the drug is very good, just do the two shots a week.  The one shot Enbrel also burns going in but the two shot Enbrel doesn't.  Also, take vitamins to help build up you immune system.  You might also want to see if you are depressed.  I have been going through some depression and I have been so tired and have no desire to do anything I love to do.  Depression can do as much to you as RA or any other sickness.

I hope and pray all goes well for you.

Vicki