my stomach is upset all the time Is Methotrexate better on the stomach?

Hi Mary,

Methotrexate is a drug which is meant to slow the disease itself down. The plaquinel also is. So they are called DMARDs disease modifying drugs). The other meds address  your symptoms only. The T-3 is for pain and the pred. addresses inflammation (and therefore helps w/pain, too).

So it's apples and oranges. You need both :D. Hopefully, you can use DMARDs to begin to get the RA suppressed  and then need less of the other meds.

The stomach can be upset by all of the drugs we have discussed. The good news is there are ways to deal with it and more drugs to try...

What kind of stomach issues? I get pretty serious nausea FROM THE RA ITSELF and also from the metho. and pepto  bismol can be a lifesaver. I carry the tablets with me. More serious stomach issues, like actual damage, should be prevented at all costs. Can you read the question by Bora Bora about methotrexate and ibuprophen I think where Cheryl and I were discussing it? That was just today- it might help you, too. Many docs prescribe something to shut down stomach acid production to help prevent damage with the meds. (I use prilosec for that.)

Good luck, Mary. Hope you feel better.

Kelly  

www.rawarrior.blogspot.com

Hi Mary;

I have been taking Plaquenil, Naprosyn, Metho since Oct 2007 and have had no side affects (that I am aware of) My RA has improved greatly since that time.It is much more tolerable and I am definately stronger and more functional. I take my Metho dose on Friday night before bed but I have missed it occasionally and have taken it in the morning and I have never experienced stomach issues. With that said, we all react differently to meds so I think you will just have to test them and find out what suits you best. Best wishes.

Jeannette

Hi Mary,

Sometimes taking drugs really does do a job on the stomach.  Be careful in following the directions whether the drug should be taken on an empty stomach or with a little bit of food.  Protect that stomach lining.

I use methotrexate (which upsets some people's stomach also) but do not have any problems.  Like Jeannette, I take it before bedtime and do not notice any side effects. 

Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor and your pharmacist about the upset stomach.  Perhaps he/she will have some suggestions for you.

I've been on methotrexate for about 9 months, and haven't had any stomach problems at all.  I take it on Saturdays with my largest meal of the day.  After about 4 months,  on mtx, my morning stiffness disappeared.  You'll have to have regular lab tests and exams to monitor your kidney, liver function and lung function, but I would not hesitate to try it, if I were you.  Good luck to you.

I agree that everyone's body reacts differently. I take methotrexate, but I do get an upset stomach from it: usually a little nausea the first day and diarrhea for 2-3 days afterwards. But I've tried going without MTX and my RA is too painful to handle without it...so at this point, I'm just trying to cope with the side effects. I take it on weekends so that the worst of the symptoms can be dealt with at home.