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What Are Everyone's Experience With Methotrexate? My RA Doc Just Prescribed It And I Start This Saturday. My Anxiety Is A Little Amped Up.

A myRAteam Member asked a question ๐Ÿ’ญ
Plainfield, IL
April 17, 2024
 · 
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Answer Summary

Members shared overwhelmingly positive experiences with methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis, with many taking it for years (ranging from 3... Read more

Members shared overwhelmingly positive experiences with methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis, with many taking it for years (ranging from 3 to 18 years) and describing it as effective once it kicks in after a few weeks to months. Several members mentioned mild side effects like initial nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and hair thinning, with practical tips including taking it at night before bed to sleep through nausea, taking it with food, using the injection form instead of pills, and taking folic acid daily (though one member's doctor recommended skipping folic acid on methotrexate day). A recurring theme was encouragement not to give up if it doesn't work immediately, as many needed additional medications like Plaquenil or biologics added to their regimen, and that finding the right combination often requires patience and trial and error with your rheumatologist.

A myRAteam Member

My rheumatologist recommended taking methotrexate at night before bed. That's what I've done for three years and thankfully I haven't had any issues.

April 28, 2024
A myRAteam Member

Hi Kimberly,

I have been on methotrexate for 4 1/2 years. I have not had any issues with it, and my doctor actually lowered the dosage since taking it. It took a couple of months to kick it in. I take it on Friday. I also take vitamins that contain folic acid.

April 17, 2024 (edited)
A myRAteam Member

I have been on Methodrexate for 18 years now, without a problem. My Rheumotologist has just reduced mine this yesr, as I was getting Pneumonia for the last 4 years.As we all know, Methodrexate lowers your immune system, and I was prone to easy colds etc. Don't expect miracles, as it does take some time to "kick in" You will only feel it's benefits after a couple weeks/months.

April 17, 2024
A myRAteam Member

Started Methotrexate December 2023 and chose to do the injection rather than tablets. I am doing very well with the combination of Rasuvo and Plaquenil working together. I wanted to add onto this, I take folic acid vitamin daily with the amount of methotrexate that is being given as a dosage. Every person is different but I did want to add that onto my posting.

April 17, 2024 (edited)
A myRAteam Member

Theretta, hi there. I've experienced the same issues with my hair. I'm glad you are doing well. ๐Ÿ™‚ Please bear with me if I'm giving you information you already know. My husband has had shoulder surgery twice. A recliner was a lifesaver for him as he couldn't get into or out of bed for some time. Also, he had a machine to ice his shoulder - it was much more convenient than ice packs. I wish you all the luck in the world with your upcoming surgery. ๐Ÿ™‚๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿคž

April 23, 2024

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