Yes, it is possible to develop new and "interesting" side effects after having tolerated a particular medication for a long time. We all decide what side effects we can and cannot live with and for many, hair loss is unacceptable. On the other hand, other people take it in stride and stay on the medication - you may want to check out a post from Holly, one of our Experts who wrote about her decision to continue methotrexate despite hair loss. Speak to your doctor about vitamin B12 injections, as this may help slow down hair loss or possibly help it grow back. You may also want to talk to your doctor about whether it will grow back - I've heard conflicting stories about methotrexate-related hair loss that seems to indicate that any sometimes, the hair loss is permanent and this may be a factor in your decision.

Methotrexate is on the lower rungs of the treatment ladder for RA and there are many other options for medication. Keep in mind that even if you try something else, you can always go back to methotrexate if you don't like your response to other drugs. However I would recommend that you have an in-depth discussion with you rheumatologist about the specifics of why they are recommending another form of treatment, the pros and cons of switching, etc.

Good luck! Please let us know how it goes?