|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/19/2010
Posts: 384
|
Hi Everyone,
Could you please let me know if one of the effects of taking MTX also includes a loss of appetite, have been trying to look throught the various info I have but not mentioned.
Thanks
Anne x
|
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 2,127
Location: Thornton Cleveleys
|
Hi Anne One of the most common side effects of methotrexate after nausea, is loss of appetite. That said one of the effects of having active RA is also loss of appetite! There's quite a bit of info here . It is aimed at those with skin problems but the information about Mtx is relevant to RA. I appreciate it is a New Zealand site but the drugs the same wherever you are! Are you having problems? Hope you are okay, Lyn x
|
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/19/2010
Posts: 384
|
Thanks Lyn
I'm feeling ok, had more good days than bad, but definately not eating much, the ginger nuts go down a treat when I'm feeling nauseous, but having to force myself to eat, for example had two sarnies today and thats it, don't even fancy chocolate, saw a friend today who havn't seen for a few weeks and she mentioned how much weight i have seem to have lost. I'm a size 12 but jeans are sagging abit.
Thanks Anne x
|
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/19/2010
Posts: 384
|
Just read that info Lyn, good to know its a common side effect.
Anne x
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,081
|
Hi Annie
I lost a bit of weight when first on Mtx but after a couple of months I think my body must have adjusted to it and my appetite soared again. Kind of wish it hadn't soared quite so much:)
Julie
|
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 2,127
Location: Thornton Cleveleys
|
Damned76 wrote:
... my appetite soared again. Kind of wish it hadn't soared quite so much:)
 Mine did that too!! Anne, I'm wondering whether it is actually the Methotrexate (having puzzled on it overnight  )! If the RA is not yet fully controlled it is possible that it is the actual RA causing the appetite/weight loss problem rather than the meds. Once the Mtx kicks in fully it should help with the control of this. I was seriously ill when I first started with RA and lost over 3 stones, so it can be a significant loss. At the time I was put on high dose steroids (Mtx wasn't used in the same way then) and they got things under control and the weight went back on. Certainly something to keep an eye on, along with the blood test results. If you are losing weight beyond what you think is acceptable I would definitely follow up as you could also be losing important mineral reserves leading to fatigue and anaemia. Worse case scenario though so don't panic just yet. Fingers crossed things will pick up for you soon, Lyn x
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/10/2009 Posts: 653 Location: Notts
|
HI Annie
When I was taking MTX I found that it made me dislike some foods that I had previously liked. Even thinking about them would make me feel sick. You may find that it all settles down after a while.
Lyn
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/5/2010 Posts: 89 Location: Mereworth, Kent
|
Hi Annie,
I'm sorry you are feeling grim.
unfortunately I was also one of those who had horrible gastric problems on MTX. I had severe diarrhoea, nausea and loss of appetite which they classified as anorexia. I was down to water and a cracker a day - not a good way to lose weight!! We tried the injections and they definitely helped, but by this time my liver was protesting loudly so we had to abandon it.
If it does turn out to be the MTX there are things to help like adjusting dosages, injections etc. I hope you soon get it sorted and start feeling better again.
Take care
Alison xx
|
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/18/2010
Posts: 34
|
I had a lot of nausea and stomach painwhen I started Methotrexate, which improved when I was put on a stomach protector( Lansaprazole). I was within a whisker of giving it up, because of these problems. Now I rarely get such problems.
I don't know why but I find if I eat bland food that it helps a bit. The worst thing I can do is let my tummy get too empty, so my problems are the other way. I seriously need to lose weight for the benefit of my joints and health, but find it quite tough cos an empty tummy makes me feel sick .
Lyn has made a good point about weight loss and uncontrolled RA and I think you have only just started Methotrexateso this is a possibility. I should mention it to your nurse or RA team to see what they think and if they can help.
Love
Katharine
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/6/2009 Posts: 74 Location: North Lincolnshire
|
I had loss of appetite when i first started taking mtx too. Now one week I hardly eat and the next it's non stop chocolate and crisps! but that may just be because i'm a 16 year old girl who like to comfort eat  xxxx
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 856
|
Same here- appetite has dropped since starting mtx- although recent bloods showed that RA is still not controlled, so could be that. Hannah- funnily enough, I can still eat chocolate iscuits and cake even if Idon't fancy anythng else- and I'm well beyond teenage years  Maria
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
