Anyone taking methotrexate and prednisone? - DMARD Medications

10/30/09 8:56am

Prednisone can make pain feel better for a while. It has side effects such as upset stomach, trouble sleeping(take in am), and over long term use may cause much weight gain and lots of other trouble. Methotrexate works on some but I am a patient who cannnot tolerate it. After three days I was so dizzy and sick I could not get out of bed and the bed would not quit spinning. My hair fell out too . This reaction means stop taking it right away. Hopefully that won't happen to you.......meds affect everyone differently. Start researching biologics and other meds. Prednisone should only be for a short term...........I personally adore the biologics but you need to discuss with your Doc. Hang in there.

Alice

10/31/09 12:16am

Thankyou so much the info helped alot so if I start to see stuff like what happened to you then I know to stop taking it and call my doctor. She has a follow up appointment to see how I am doing with the meds but all the info I can get really helps!

RAchameleon

10/31/09 3:13am

Hi Alice-

I was on prednisone for 18 months, after I had my son. It allowed me to breastfeed and function (my RA went into remission during pregnancy and came back with a vengeance afterwards). When I finished breastfeeding, I also went on methotrexate and slowly weaned off of the prednisone. I am now only on methotrexate (for almost a year). The prednisone caused puffy weight gain (about 10-15 pounds or so), made me ravenous, and slightly elevated my blood pressure. The methotrexate has definitely thinned my hair a little which I'm not thrilled about but it's not noticeable to others (if it was, I'd be off of it right away!). My skin is also ridiculously dry but my rheumatologist says that's the disease not the meds. She also wants me to keep coming down off of the methotrexate and start Plaquenil. Not so sure about that b/c I've been so successful with the methotrexate. Hope it works for you. My suggestion would be to get off the prednisone as soon as you can. I call it the devil b/c it makes you pain free pretty quickly but there's always a price to pay (there can be some nasty side effects). Good luck to you!

caol

11/14/09 4:06pm

you are so right!

RAchameleon

11/14/09 11:20pm

I also wanted to mention that I do have minor side effects from the methotrexate. I take seven 2.5mg pills on Monday nights... and my family calls the next day "medicine Tuesday." I am incrediby fatigued (moreso than the usual RA fatigue so it's pretty bad) and have diarrhea in the am for a couple of hours. Then I'm fine. If I didn't work at home, I'd definitely have to switch the day to a weekend b/c I couldn't go into an office like that. But I've been noticing a lessening on the stomach issues lately. Hope you're doing well!

mary

6/25/12 2:17pm

will 5mg of prednisone taken long term have a bad effect on the body

Nan

11/ 1/09 6:57am

I have been taking methotrexate, 10 mg per week, since July 09. It is working really well for me. I also take the folic acid and plaquenil. It took about 4 weeks to notice it working and after 3 months I have to say I feel alot better. It has helped so much with the morning pain, I still have pain but to a much lesser degree. The swelling is down too. Now as far as side effects go, its kinda bad on my tummy. I'm taking nexium to help with that. I did have a little hair loss, I noticed more than anyone else. The fatigue is something I am still learning to deal with. There are some days that I am of no good use. Tired is putting it mildly, but the RA causes fatigue too. Overall I am happy with it. With any medication comes side effects, you have to decide what is acceptable for your lifestyle and body. The only time I have taken pred is when I am flaring and of course it helps fairly quickly but I only take it for a week or two, the doc puts me on it strong then tapers me off so I can't tell you much about that.

Lene Andersen, Health Guide

11/ 4/09 10:41am

Treating your RA with methotrexate and prednisone is a very common treatment and is often tolerated well for years. Prednisone is a steroid, which is why you feel better already and it does come with some side effects, but you may not experience any of them or or perhaps yours will be mild. Methotrexate is a chemotherapy drug and works by suppressing your immune system - you get a tiny dose compared to people who have cancer, so take a deep breath (I say that because when I was considering going on methotrexate, I was somewhat panicked about the chemo thing). It's normal to experience some stomach upset and fatigue for a day or two following your dose, but check out this post on managing side effects for tips that can help make that easier. Some people do experience hair loss, but not all - for me, the methotrexate made my hair thicker and curlier, which was not expected bonus.

Good luck and please let us know how it goes?

JustCrafty

11/ 5/09 3:15am

I was just diagnosied in June and started treatment on Methotrexate (started at 15 mg, now taking 20 mg) , an anti-inflammatory and Folic Acid (to help with side effects). I've been taking Prednisone since April. I am still taking Prednisone 5mg hoping to taper dose to 1/2 tab a day with in the next 2 weeks. I have lived with PAIN, fatigue and loss of quality of life for 3-4 years. I am slowly gaining back my life and hoping to start feeling more in control. It has been a long road but I do believe the meds have really helped me. As far as the side effects-I have few compared to the stories I read and hear. I take my Methotrexate once a week on Sun afternoon, I take at least two days off after taking the meds because they really do make me tired and sometime I get an upset stomach (or worse Diarrhea) or sometimes dizziness, the first month or so I had a terrible headache within about 3 days after taking the meds. My hair has thinned some especially around my hairline, but nothing really bad or noticable. I started the Folic Acid about a week before the Methotrexate. Just thought that maybe getting it in my system before I started the Metho might help with side effects and I think it might have. I think that all meds have their drawbacks, but one thing to keep in mind is that there are proven facts that this combination of drugs do help manage the symptoms of RA. Also remember that feeling good and being able to accomplish every day tasks and enjoying life is far better than losing yourself to the overwhelming symptoms of RA. Good luck and I hope that the meds help you fell better and your quality of life improves.

gisela

11/ 5/09 10:49am

me too just a note watch what you eat you will gain a couple of pound just kind off control you what you eat the two med have help me with the pain and i also get the shots humera every two wees i have my good day and i have bad one so it all depend on the weather and you

Ingrid

11/ 5/09 11:10am

My name is Ingrid and I was diagnosed with RA in 2006. I been on Prednisone and Methotraxate since December of 2006. The Prednisone reduces swelling and inflammation, that's why you are starting to feel a little better. With the Methotraxate you will loose some of your hair. So ask your Doctor to give you Leucovor, that will reduce the hairloss. With the Prednisone dosage you will go up and down once you have reduced enough of the inflammation and swelling. If they found the RA early enough you might be lucky and don't need the injections. Like Enbrel, Humira ect. Some patients only need the Methotraxate and a low dose of Prednisone. I am not so lucky, I am taking Methotraxate, Prednisone, Melixicam, Enbrel. The problem is I also have Fibromyalgia and so I am always in pain. For that I am taking Lyrica and Cymbalta. I was told by my Doctor, that is all I can have on pain meds. So I hope that you will not have such a problem, because if the Doctors found it early enough, you will have a much better chance of having your Life back to normal soon. Take care and let me and others know how you are doing. My thoughts will be with you.

Rebekah Simonton

11/ 5/09 11:21am

I have been on Methotrexate and Prednisone for about 2 yrs. I have gained weight, know that when you quit taking it you will lose the weight. I felt great on high dose of methotrexate, but my liver didn't like it, so my Dr cut it back. I also take folic acid, I am prone to the mouth sores. I have also taken Enbrel, Humira, and now I'm on Orencia. However, my Dr has suggested a new med coming out in Jan, possibly, that he wants me to try. I'm waiting to see if I qualify for the trial that is being conducted.

Hang in there. I have found that it is alot of trial and error to see which meds work best.

Kim

11/ 5/09 12:34pm

Alice - I am sorry you are feeling so bad. I have been taking prednisone since I was diagnosed with RA 19 years ago. My body has tolerated the prednisone very well. If you are not careful you will again a bunch of weight. I only take 5 mg daily now and I was determine never to take over 15 mg. When I had a flare up I would only take 10 mg and rest til the flare up settled down. I am now taking the Methotrexate along with the Prednison and Orencia. The Methotrexate seems to help alot. I have been trying to decrease the prednisone. Some days I can, some days I can't. Just watch how much prednisone you take and try not to eat the kitchen sink. (It will make you hungry - just try not to go back into the kitchen after 8:00) Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.

Anonymous

11/ 5/09 2:34pm

Alice, I had RA since 2001 and I think longer.I have been on methotrexate since 2001.It has always made me sick.My doctor told me to divide the dosage in half 12 hours apart.Please ask your doctor will this work for you.The prednisone I was on for 3 weeks and thats it.My doctor don't think it is good to be on it for long.It can weakened your bones.Always take folic acid it helps and try to eat a low fat healthy diet that helps me alot.

Angela

11/ 5/09 2:44pm

I think Predisone is a wonder drug. I tookj it for almost 3 years and it really helped me. Before I used to hurt so bad and could not do anything on my own then when I started taking Predisone I got where I could function again. My doctor said if I took 7.5 mg or less a day it would be ok but I think most doctors don't want you on it long term. Just remember not to stop taking it abruptly you have to ween yourself off of it. Also you will probably gain weight since its a streroid. I am now off of it since starting Humira injections but I think the predisone helped me more then anything else I have ever taken. Good luck to you, hope it helps you alot.

Phillip

11/ 5/09 3:50pm

If you like bieng sick go with the methtrexate. I was on it for a year Sick about 4 days a week and only relley good for about a day and a half. It was very expencive. The prednisone is hard on you liver. So you will have to do a blood pannel couple times a year. But it makes you hungry avrage people that take it for a while gain lot's of weight. Try watching what you eat and drink. I am now on celabrexand watch my diet and can't do things like Beef and orange juice. Keep a diary on what you eat and if you feel worse the next day,try doing with out. Oh and do I ever miss my bacon with my breakfast . But oh does it hurt my knees

Anonymous

11/ 5/09 4:35pm

I have been taking methotrexate for quite some time now. I take 8 every Friday evening. I was told that the methotrexate may make me feel sick so I deceided to take it on Friday as I work all week and didn't want to miss time at work. But it never bothered me at all. I took prednisone at first and it made me swell quite a bite. I could hardly walk and my dr. gave me coreisone shots in both knees. I have had these shots in both my hips and in my left hand on the knuckle. I have been fine but there are a few days I have some pain in my hands. I knit and the Dr. told me keep it up as things could get worse. It does take time for the medicine to get in your system so keep doing what the Dr. says. If you want to email me please feel free to do so. It helps when you know there is someone else out there that understands how you feel. Good luck. Carolyn

Aquaris

11/ 5/09 4:37pm

Here is what my mom's list of medications: http://www.healthcentral.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/c/529890/93653/ra

and I am looking to find additional means. "Methotrexate" is critical to slow joint damage and we realized this too late. You can go natural on treating pain and inflammation in our experience. I am still looking for additional natural ways to help her reduce pain.

Anonymous

11/ 8/09 12:23pm

Hi, I have been on prednisone and chloroquin for 9 years, and now have just gone onto Methotrexate. I am however very interested in natural alternatives, as I dont believe these meds are good for you on the long term. I have gone off sugar, and am totally vegan. I tried no meds, but my hands got quite bad, and the doctor said that the damage to my joints is quite bad. What ideas do people have about the natural route? I find that if I have a lot of sugar, my hands get very sore. There definitely are foods which dont agree with my hands and make them swell. Are other people also affected by the food they eat?

Lynn

RAchameleon

11/14/09 11:27pm

I find that an excess of sugar causes pain as well (I have roaming RA so I never know where it's going to show up.) And even one glass of wine (red, white or blush) makes me swell and incrediby tired. Not beer though. But I drink very rarely b/c you're not supposed to on methotrexate (and our livers process enough toxins with all the meds!). I am considering doing an organic, mostly vegetarian diet to see if it works with the pain and in my lifestyle. Thinking of starting right after Thanksgiving. Looking into Dr. Junger's Clean... Will see how it goes!

mary

6/25/12 2:47pm

re liv it is a good antiinflamtory by dr bombach and curcurrim 2000 by bell laboratorys

sagil

11/ 5/09 5:50pm

I was diagnosed in Sept. with RA. I am 49 years old, female. My rheumy put me on methotrexate, and predinosone, and folic acid. I am doing much better especially the swelling is gone down. I only have some swelling in my ankles and sore jaw yet. But it has definitely been a big help for me. He did increase my methotrexate after the 1st month of treatment. So hope this helps you. I wonder why you are not on folic acid though? Might ask your rheumy at your next appt. sagil

KMolly

11/ 5/09 6:39pm

Yes , The prednisone will make you feel better. It finally will give you the relief that you have been waiting for. I was on it for a couple months but chose not to stay on it. The Methotrexate is suppose to slow down the progression of the RA disease. I was afraid to take it at first. I have been on it for a year now. There are many many people out there on the same meds your doctor wants you to try. If you are new to RA or need a support group, check out MDJunction and go under Rheumatoid. It is a great place for support and friendship. Good luck

melissa

11/ 6/09 10:20am

I've had RA for over 20 years, I've taken several different meds for this, the only med I didn't take was methotrexate or predisone pills. I use to get injections of predisone and gained a lot of weight, which is very hard to get off. I take enbrel now and love it. I take a injection once a week and go on my way. It stings a little but the benifits are worth it. I've been on Enbrel now for over 5 years, I have some bad days but not as bad as it was over 5 years ago. I wanted off the predisone and never wanted to take the methotrexate for the side affects. Talk to your doctor about several options before you decide what you want. There are still newer options to try and the old ones don't always work.

Adirai Thanga Selvarajan

11/ 9/09 3:43am

Dear, This is Selva from India. I am taking methotrexate and prednisone 5mg along with folic acid from Jan.2008. If I reduce the consumption of prednisone RA affects me more. Along with this medicines I am doing 15 min. walk, 15 min yoga position and 15 min. breathing exercise. Its makes me relax during day. Evening 5.30 again I am feeling pain. Do exercise, have the mentioned tablets, relax your mind with music and chating with friends. Do not worry, life is beautiful we have to enjoy.

with best regards

Selva

Vi Peterson

11/ 9/09 11:13am

i am currently taking methotrexate for ra,,,,,and it seems to be controlling the ra just fine. when i first started taking it, i was also taking prednisone, because methotrexate takes a while to work. The prednisone does a good job with the pain, but it is really not good for your body. It has a lot of side effects. Take care, and don't be so hard on yourself, you might have to take it easy for awhile. I don't

know where you live, but I live up north, and the change in the weather doesn't help

either. vi

helend

11/10/09 9:04pm

Hi, I have been on prednisone, methotrexate, athrotec and humera (injections) for almost 2 yrs. What is your dosage of prednisone and methotrexate?

HD

tennis pro

11/11/09 4:45am

Hi Alice

I have been taking the same meds. for two weeks. It is a typical meds. for our condiion. It is known to work for many people. These meds. have been around for many years and has now been standard treatment for many people with good success.

My Best Tennis pro

carol

11/14/09 4:03pm

I had RA for the past 15years and it just started getting a little better.Im on methotrexate now for about 5 mnths and before that it was prdnisone and it blew me up to 215pounds and my liver was almost damage because i shouldnt been on it so long, but at that time it was the only thing that made me not hurt. Now methotrexate ia ok except giving me my on shots so my husband does it once a week for me. All i could say is ask alot of question to your doctor or doctors because it doesnt hurt to get more than on oppinion. and now i have a better lif then before!

Anonymous

11/20/09 11:54am

I took both of them and went off the methotrexate a little while ago. It's all out of my system and I can feel the difference in a big way. I have very little mobility and have asked to go back on it. It causes my blood count to drop sometimes and was making me feel sick. We moved last spring and only 1 rheumy in our area and I won't see her till end of Jan. So was my choice to go off. No close monitoring.

Reading on the internet, it says to keep blood count up, exercise 30 mins a day (just move around basically). I would take the day and rest so this time, I will do the exercise, then rest. Also will see about taking an over the counter stomach help in addition to my script med. Methotrexated gave me a life again, not pain free but I could do things.

Hope all goes well for you.

Bubba P

11/21/09 12:14pm

I have had RA for 35 years. Before that it was just Ostio. My rheum tried many many meds. I think I tried evwrything there was out there. Then about 20 years ago rheum said now I had Polymyalgia and I had to take prednisone every day. Also when I had bad flare ups he would give me a shot in whatever area was the worst. This worked very well for about 10 years and then I did not test too bad on the Poly and I felt ok so I went off the prednisone. I was doing pretty well and started RVing. I then had to find another rheum. This one said I had RA which I already knew and I had a bad attack and she gave me a shot. The shot worked within hours, she asked what meds I had had for the RA and I told her so she suggested methotrexate. First it was pills and they made me itch very bad so she changed me to giving myself shots. I thought I was in heaven after the first two shots I felt real good but on the third one I got severe and I mean severe muscle cramps in my shoulder. She then gave me a group of shots in the shoulder and it got better until the next week and same thing. She said that was not a side effect amd I should keep taking it. I did and always always on the 3rd day after the shot I would have that cramp real bad for 2 days. Meantime my GP said he wanted to do trigger shots on my whole body cause he thought rheum was not altogether right and I had fibromyalgia. I took the trigger shots once a week for 2 months and they did help with the camp but after awhile I told rheum I could not continue on that stuff. She said ok and put me back on prednisone. Now I have a new GP for the last 3 years and she has put me on Lyrica and Cymbolta along with the steroid. I feel a lot better and I was not sleeping before and now I am. The only pain I now have is from the original ostio but I feel so very much better on the other parts. I don't have to stay in bed most of the day and I am cleaning, cleaning, and making delicious low fat meals that take a long time just because I feel so good. I still have to use the wheelchair outside due to the osteo but I am gardening up a storm. This is long I know but it is the story of my life in pain.

Bev C

Bubba P

11/21/09 12:15pm

I have had RA for 35 years. Before that it was just Ostio. My rheum tried many many meds. I think I tried evwrything there was out there. Then about 20 years ago rheum said now I had Polymyalgia and I had to take prednisone every day. Also when I had bad flare ups he would give me a shot in whatever area was the worst. This worked very well for about 10 years and then I did not test too bad on the Poly and I felt ok so I went off the prednisone. I was doing pretty well and started RVing. I then had to find another rheum. This one said I had RA which I already knew and I had a bad attack and she gave me a shot. The shot worked within hours, she asked what meds I had had for the RA and I told her so she suggested methotrexate. First it was pills and they made me itch very bad so she changed me to giving myself shots. I thought I was in heaven after the first two shots I felt real good but on the third one I got severe and I mean severe muscle cramps in my shoulder. She then gave me a group of shots in the shoulder and it got better until the next week and same thing. She said that was not a side effect amd I should keep taking it. I did and always always on the 3rd day after the shot I would have that cramp real bad for 2 days. Meantime my GP said he wanted to do trigger shots on my whole body cause he thought rheum was not altogether right and I had fibromyalgia. I took the trigger shots once a week for 2 months and they did help with the camp but after awhile I told rheum I could not continue on that stuff. She said ok and put me back on prednisone. Now I have a new GP for the last 3 years and she has put me on Lyrica and Cymbolta along with the steroid. I feel a lot better and I was not sleeping before and now I am. The only pain I now have is from the original ostio but I feel so very much better on the other parts. I don't have to stay in bed most of the day and I am cleaning, cleaning, and making delicious low fat meals that take a long time just because I feel so good. I still have to use the wheelchair outside due to the osteo but I am gardening up a storm. This is long I know but it is the story of my life in pain.

Bev C

Bubba P

11/21/09 12:19pm

I have had RA for 35 years. Before that it was just Ostio. My rheum tried many many meds. I think I tried evwrything there was out there. Then about 20 years ago rheum said now I had Polymyalgia and I had to take prednisone every day. Also when I had bad flare ups he would give me a shot in whatever area was the worst. This worked very well for about 10 years and then I did not test too bad on the Poly and I felt ok so I went off the prednisone. I was doing pretty well and started RVing. I then had to find another rheum. This one said I had RA which I already knew and I had a bad attack and she gave me a shot. The shot worked within hours, she asked what meds I had had for the RA and I told her so she suggested methotrexate. First it was pills and they made me itch very bad so she changed me to giving myself shots. I thought I was in heaven after the first two shots I felt real good but on the third one I got severe and I mean severe muscle cramps in my shoulder. She then gave me a group of shots in the shoulder and it got better until the next week and same thing. She said that was not a side effect amd I should keep taking it. I did and always always on the 3rd day after the shot I would have that cramp real bad for 2 days. Meantime my GP said he wanted to do trigger shots on my whole body cause he thought rheum was not altogether right and I had fibromyalgia. I took the trigger shots once a week for 2 months and they did help with the camp but after awhile I told rheum I could not continue on that stuff. She said ok and put me back on prednisone. Now I have a new GP for the last 3 years and she has put me on Lyrica and Cymbolta along with the steroid. I feel a lot better and I was not sleeping before and now I am. The only pain I now have is from the original ostio but I feel so very much better on the other parts. I don't have to stay in bed most of the day and I am cleaning, cleaning, and making delicious low fat meals that take a long time just because I feel so good. I still have to use the wheelchair outside due to the osteo but I am gardening up a storm. This is long I know but it is the story of my life in pain.

Bev C

Anonymous

11/25/09 5:26am

never really liked taking metrotextan (Ireally dont know who to spelled it)

but for as long as i been taking prednisone, that is 9yrs since i was 21, it has ruin my life in way, i always feel weak and fatige i can sleep- a lot and i do mean a lot about 12 a day if i could but it doesnt happen all the time/

i wish i can relate to someone like me

because i had felt all alone too since i started

btw

good luck to everyone and best wishes to all

V

Beverlee

7/ 3/10 4:51pm

It took the doctors (a "primary doctor", lung specialist, kidney specialist and a rheumatoid specialist) three years to figure out I had the disease called Sarcoidosis. My RA is derived from the disease. Also, my lungs, kidneys and skeletal frame has been all effected.

I was put on predisone and hated it. I swelled up (especially in the face) and gained about 30 lbs. in less than 2 weeks on only 5mg. of predisone. Now they have put me on 2.5 mg. Methotrexate, taking it two time on Saturday in the AM and two pills in the PM. My side effects are generally mild. A little dizziness, nausea and a (so far) loss of hair.

The RA specialist wanted me on both predisone and methotrexdate but I REFUSE to take predisone again. I'd rather try to find an alternative. My kidneys are both very small and the methotrexate is causing them to worsen, so I know I will have to be taken off of all drugs or die from kidney failure!

Beverlee

7/ 4/10 5:42pm

I thought I was living with RA but the doctors (4 of them for 3 years) finally diagnosed me with a disease called SARCOIDOSIS. Does anyone else out there have this condition too?

ronie

7/ 5/10 1:16am

Miss Beverlee,

I do not want your post and your question to get lost. You have attached it to an older post from 09 about prednisone and methotrexate. Could you repost your statement yesterday and question today to a new thread. Just Copy and post in the "Connect" section under "Ask a Question"

I will answer some of your questions, I would really like for some of the other veterans and experts to see the thread in order to respond as well. We don't want ya getting lost in the crowd. It is soooo easy to do so because there are so many of us on this site.

Good luck and I will see ya tomorrow,

Ronie

Terrence

3/28/11 8:16am

Yes, u have someone that understands what u are going through!!!! I have been on the tripple combo of meds for almosts 2yrs now. I haven't heard of to many people being on all 3. I think we might have sevre casess of R/A!!!!! Well, that's what my rheumatoligist told me. I stop taking the prednisone because I was starting to get some side effects, I do not recomend that ever!!!!!! Learn from my mistake, lets just say that's a tried & true way to end up with a severe flare up. Hope that answers your ?????