Never stop taking any drug sudenly. I have had systemic JRa (much like Lups) I also have RA, OA and am on many meds. I was on Methotrexate by mouth and by injection. Never stop suddenly, and prednisone is another one no one wants to be on. I  have been on it forever. I have had JRA since I was 3. I am 40yrs old now. I have had 16 orthopedic surgeries, use a walker to walk and need a wheelchair to sit always. Make sure you are seeing the best drs you can, a rheumatologist especially and Always follow your doctors orders and take the medication as directed. This is one of the ways I have survived so long w/this illness. I almost lost the abilitly to walk several times. I don't take my health or that I can walk for granted, particularly after having a bone infection this past 2011.  You could get seriously ill if you stop methotrexate and not to mention how your disease might flare after being off of it several weeks.