Q: Just started methotrexate for Rheumatoid arthritis 2 weeks ago. Taking 6 tablets every monday and prednizone also. Have lost about 9 pounds. Is this normal?
hi Jim, i was on mtx just for a little while about 2 weeks, an i take prednisone a pill an a half daily. I never had wieght loss. i would call your rhuemy in the morning an let him know what is going on with you.Its so very important when your are on these kind of meds to let them know about things that are going on with you that you are not sure about. i hope your meds work well for you best wishes
I know I don't eat much for a few days after taking the meds due to the nausea. Are you still eating normally?
Forgot to mention that I also take 2 prednisone tablets 5 mg daily. Also I take Chlolestrol meds, blood presure meds. All these prescriptions are rather expensive. I have Insurance that helps pay but my wife who also takes meds and we always hit the "Doughnut" hole in Sept. and must then pay the full amount for the rest of the year. (around $800. monthly.) I know we are not the only ones doing this and many are worse off. Between the Pharmacetical companys and Energy costs(gasoline and home heating) a lot of people are suffering.
My experience was weight gain while on the prednisone. I was only on 10mg of methotrexate. I did not have any nausia or other problems.
Hi Jim,
As of right now I am also taking 6 tablets of Methotrexate every Monday and 1 tablet of Folic Acid everyday. I used to be on Prednizone but got off when I started the Methotrexate.
When I was on Prednizone I lost a lot of weight. I have heard that people usually gain weight when they are on Prednizone, but for me it was the opposite. I went from the 120s all the way to 107. Once I got off the Prednizone my weight went back up, and now im at a healthy weight for the 1st time since high school.
Maybe the Prednizone is doing the same for you. But for how long I don't know, I never have taken both the Metho & Prednizone at the sametime.
Hope you get to feeling better! :]
Thanks Rexy for sharing your information. Glad to hear you weight is back to normal. For the past 2 weeks I have stopped taking prednisone (with the doctors approval). I am now taking the Metho and folic acid the same dosage you are taking. My weight has stablelized to about 5 pounds under my normal weight which is fine with me. The metho has helped a lot with the pain and I am able to do a lot of things now. I am concerned now about the long term effect of the Metho.
A friend of mine gave me a home remedy recipe which I am trying also. You may have heard of the yellow raisin soaked in gin recipe.He started taking this about six months ago and no longer takes any drugs. There is a lot of positive testimonials on the internet concerning this remedy. Cant hurt trying this and it is very inexpensive to make. Dont know if anyone else on this blog has tried this. Nice hearing from you and others on this site. Jim
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Thanks for your answer. Sorry for delay in posting reply. Yes My eating is still normal. To elaborate further I take Methotrexate 6 pills 2.5 mg every Monday and am now also taking one prescription Folic acid 1 mg daily. Also I have Tramadol 50mg to take for pain if needed. The severe pain in my legs, shoulders and elsewhere has lessened. It seems this regime of Meds is working but I am still concerned somewhat about the weight loss and I do not have a lot of energy. Not sure how long I will be these drugs.