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Methotrexate Gastro side effects Options
csthomo
#1 Posted : Friday, April 19, 2013 7:42:54 PM Quote
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Joined: 8/25/2011
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Hi
I'm new to forum but just wondered whether anyone else had experienced problems whilst taking methotrexate? My RA is under control after consultant gradually increasing oral methotrexate to 20 mg per week. However, after a couple of years started experiencing lots of probs with indigestion, bloating etc etc. Changed to weekly injections but symptoms have continued to gradually worsen - now include nausea, aching (all over), headaches etc. We're now trying to reduce dose gradually (just starting on 12.5) to see if symptoms can be relieved, but am so scared that the inflammation will return. Has anyone else experienced similar problems? Confused
Christine
Dorothy-W
#2 Posted : Sunday, April 21, 2013 8:51:20 AM Quote
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Location: east anglia
hi, i have been on inj now 2yr was pills first,i do 25ml and i have the headaches etc,i now have the shakes and feel rotten alot more than before,i saw my gp as the rhumy appt has yet again been put off till later in the year and he is doing loads of blood test but he is going along the mtx may need changed thinking or i have something else but i will need to see the rhumy doc for the finale say on meds anyway,so in ans yes i get the side effects and it really makes some days so bad i hate getting out of bed,if i didnt have to walk the dog i think i would stay there all day with a bottle of water,Smile ,dorothy
lisamcb
#3 Posted : Sunday, April 21, 2013 6:53:11 PM Quote
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Location: Dumfries
Hi Christine

I'm a fairly newbie too and have been on metho since the start of March and this has been increased from 15mg to 20mg but in tablet form. I have experienced the nausea but find the folic acid the day after helps and my Rheumy nurse changed the prescription of Folic acid to take it every 2nd day apart from the day I take the metho. I have had the headaches too but think they are worse if I am over anxious about other things.

Hope things settle down for you eventually and you let us know how you are getting on.

Kind wishes

Lisa xx
sylviax
#4 Posted : Monday, April 22, 2013 8:32:48 AM Quote
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Location: Newton Abbot
Hi Christine - welcome to the forum. Are you also taking something to protect your stomach? - I take Omeprazole every day.
Have you asked your rheumy about the possibility of taking an additional dmard when you reduce your MTX? I take hydroxchloroquine and because my symptoms have been a little bit more active recently we are considering adding in sulphasalazine. As I understand it this combination of dmards is more effective than just one, and you get the same effect with lower dosages so that reduces the chances of side effects.

This is an interesting link aimed at health professionals so quite a bit of techie speak - about halfway down it talks about combination therapy , with some good explanations.

Regards - Sylvia xx




Be kinder than is necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle
mdehaa
#5 Posted : Saturday, May 11, 2013 3:07:11 PM Quote
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Hi Christine, Everyone reacts differently I guess.... I found taking the Methotrexate tablets last thing at night helped against the nausea/indigestion etc. That way I could lie down straight away and go to sleep, and it gave my body time to recover, so that by the next morning my stomach would be fine. Have now changed to injections, and initially had the same problem, so again have moved the timing to taking the jab last thing at night just before bed - much better. In addition now taking Lansoprazole to help reduce production of stomach acid - it seems to work. Good luck, hope you figure out what works for you!
Mairead-H
#6 Posted : Monday, May 20, 2013 12:41:57 PM Quote
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I got up to 25mg before I was taken off it (didn't work for me) and did suffer from nausea and diarrhoea.

These drugs destroy the natural intestinal flora which keep our digestive systems healthy and functional. To combat this try getting some chewable Acidopholous from Holland and Barratt. This will keep your digestive tract healthy and hopefully resolve the problems.
Paul Barrett
#7 Posted : Tuesday, May 21, 2013 7:15:40 AM Quote
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Joined: 4/24/2013
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Location: Hexham
Mairead-H wrote:
I got up to 25mg before I was taken off it (didn't work for me) and did suffer from nausea and diarrhoea.

These drugs destroy the natural intestinal flora which keep our digestive systems healthy and functional. To combat this try getting some chewable Acidopholous from Holland and Barratt. This will keep your digestive tract healthy and hopefully resolve the problems.


You could also ask your doctor to prescribe VSL#3 Probiotic (mine does). This is an industrial grade probiotic - way better than anything you could buy OTC
Paul Barrett

Hexham - Northumberland - Loads of spectacular walks - all I need now are the joints to go with them! :)

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