It Methotrexate Resource

It Methotrexate Posts

Questions and Answers

How well does methotrexate work for psoriasis? I was diagnosed with psoriasis about 5 years ago. I have tried every treatment from creams to phototherapy to biologic treatments. I have recently been prescribed Methotrexate and was wondering how well this would work for my psoriasis. With the summer coming up I would like to get back into shorts and tank tops.

Kerry W replied: "I have had psoriasis for 25 years (the past five severe). I also have psoriatic/rheumatoid arthritis bad. My rheumotologist prescribed methotrexate in combination with Enbrel. i have been taking it for about two years. It worked such wonders for my arthritis, so well I thought to myself, so this is how easy people with normal backs have it. Before then, I suffered such pain every day. I didn't, however, notice much of change in the psoriasis. Have you tried tanning beds. You must have. Or at least your doctor must have told you about it. I have had a number of dermatologists since I have been diagnosed and they have all told me the same. The sun (tanning bed) is one of the best treatments for psoriasis (must kill dermatologists to recommend tanning). By far, my greatest success has been tanning, natural sun or artificial. If legs are your troubled area, do not be afraid to shave. I was for a long time when my legs first became covered. Finally, I said, the heck with the fear of cutting myself, I was ashamed to be walking around with hairy legs. Shaving also worked wonders and didn't hurt at all. As long as you use a good/more expensive disposable razor. Keep up with the methotrexate. I have done some research of my own on it and I guess it works for many people, but you should ask your doctor about using Enbrel or Humira in combination with it. If your doctor prescribes Enbrel or Humira too, ask for the autoinjectors -- it is quick and painless."

When did the methotrexate injection start working? I was diagnosed with a blighted ovum Monday. This is my 4th miscarriage and i have already had 3 D&C's. I went in yesterday for an injection of methotrexate. How long does it usually take for this to start working? It is just so heartbreaking knowing that I am losing another little one and want this over but I really don't want to have another surgery.

Just Call Me Apple replied: "I am so sorry to hear that, honey. I had a blighted ovum when I was pregnant with my son. I basically miscarried his twin, who never developed. I wasn't able to find much on methotrexate, other than its uses in cancer treatment... I did find one post where the woman said it took her three weeks to miscarry after the dosage... Here's the link... You might be able to find out more on that website."

What would weekly methotrexate injections do to a perfectly healthy person? I have been taking weekly 1 ml injections of methotrexate (50mg/ml) for quite some time now, but I am beginning to believe my doctor is wrong about my diagnosis. Do i just wait it out and see? Or can weekly injections to more harm if they really are wrong?

bty81216349 replied: "This is a question for your doctor. Some drugs can take quite some time to have an effect. I have a friend on that drug for Rheumatoid Arthritis and it took ages before she began to feel the benefits. Its not something for people on here to speculate about so make an appointment and speak to your doctor about your concerns."

Vincent A replied: "Take no notice of Tyrone.He's a wanker !"

Marsellus W replied: "They will provide you with superman-like characteristics.just be sure to avoid kryptonite at all costs"

How long after an ectopic pregnancy is treated with methotrexate can you start trying to concieve again? My last pregnancy was an ectopic and it was treated with methotrexate by one injection and was told not to try to concieve till after 6 monthes. But have heard others trying right away, like within a month. We are anxious to try again but, scared that if we start trying again of running the risk of another loss, or even birth defects. Any advice?

Conner's Mommy replied: "they told you to wait 6 months because it is not safe so i would wait."

~^~MiSs CaSsIe~^~ replied: "Hey, The doctor tells you to wait 6mths for a reason... I had an ectopic pregnancy last week and was too injected with the Methotrexate...My doctor told me to wait 6mths! Goodluck and sorry to hear of your loss! Take Care Cassie xxx"

How long can methotrexate make you sick? I take methotrexate every friday.I feel ok until tuesday morning.I get nausea ,throw up and sometimes have diarrhea.I aaumed that it's the methotrexate but can it make you sick that long after you take it?

smartypants909 replied: "My husband has been on methotrexate for 8 or 9 years, he rarely gets sick from it. He may be one of the few that is able to tolerate it."

Orange Flubb replied: "I tolerate the methotrexate pretty well for my JAS, it comes in eight small pills (totaling 20 mg). It might help to take 5 mg of leucovorin (a Vitamin B) the morning or day after you take the methotrexate. I'm taking it now and everything is fine. Hope you feel/get better soon! ^_^"

What is your experience with Methotrexate injections for RA? I will be taking the injection form of Methotrexate for RA, in hopes that it will not make me sick since I need to increase my med level. Anyone have experience with this drug? I can handle 4 pills of Metho a week, but my Dr now wants me to try .6 or .8 ml of the injectable form (like taking 6 or 8 pills) instead. Any input would be helpful! Thanks!

Brain Babe replied: "Have you considered getting a second opinion? Some of the side effects are quite serious, and I don't know if I would follow that course of therapy without a second opinion. Make sure you at least read up a lot on what some of the side effects are...and make sure you are comfortable with everything--and ask questions until you are completely satisfied with all the answers. Questions to consider in making the decision to switch to the injection form: --Will it improve your quality of life? --Will it be more cost-effective? --Will it be easier, treatment-wise? (Easier for you, or the dr.) --Will it prolong your life/hold off the disease any longer than pills would? These are just some things I would ask and consider...when I am in doubt, I make a pros and cons list, and then take that list and discuss with my husband..."

Has anyone become pregnant while their partner was taking methotrexate? If so, how did the pregnancy turn out? I want a family, but my boyfriend is on methotrexate (very low weekly doses) for rheumatory arthritis (RA), and as of now, there is no alternative medicine for him to use, without causing him to be unable to function in everyday life. I have read that methotrexate lowers sperm count/mobility. I understand that the research is inconclusive as to the risks of exposure to methotrexate on a developing fetus, and some doctors aren't concerned about the possibility of birth defects if it is the male that is taking the methotrexate. Anyone with any info would be greatly appreciated!

Pharmacy_Advisor replied: "Yes, taking MTX can cause low sperm count. However, this does not mean that you can not get pregnant. You may want to contact the manufacture of the company and ask some more information or go online and research this information. webmd.com is a great website."

antoinette m replied: "you know i have to be honest, i don't know the effects on men BUT i do know the effects on women, i was on methotrexate for a while and i didn't know i was pregnant until i had cramps one night and had to go to the hospital, i found out that my body was pushing the baby out, so i had lost my baby... i know the side effects of mtx so i can just imagine what would happen to a baby... i would not recommend trying to get pregnant while your boyfriend is still taking mtx, if you guys want to have a baby you should see if there are 'healthier' alternatives to mtx... since that time (2004) i've not taken mtx and have given birth to a beautiful baby boy 2005 and am pregnant with my third (due Oct.7)... and i haven't taken anything for the RA... hope things work out for you guys"

Casey replied: "WHAT? What is that?"

Jo W replied: "From what I have read there are no justifiable means to prove or disprove sterility to men on the medication, unless they are on a high dose useage in chemotherapy. If anything get him to to get a sperm count and check the results. Otherwise, have fun trying and when it is time you may be able to concieve when it is best. The good news is there are no findins of birth defects onthe fetus when the father is taking methotexate."

bfldmom3 replied: "If men who are addicted to street drugs i.e. cocaine, meth, etc. can have normal children then I think that your guy's low dose of methotrexate is not that big of a deal. It is, however, a gamble when taking ANY medication. That is where you need to decide if the benefit of taking the medication is greater than being without. No medication is best but if it's necessary to take it then that's what you need to live with. Statistically your chances are so slim to have anything happen thru his sperm. If you were taking it and it was going directly into the baby's blood stream then I would worry a whole lot more. Good luck."

How long does it take for an ectopic pregnancy to dissolve after taking Methotrexate? I recently took an injection of methotrexate to treat an ectopic in the beginning of Jan. It is end of the Feb. and my beta levels are low at 9, but last week it only dropped by one number? It seems like a never ending saga!!! Has anyone else experienced this and how long does it usually take? I am hitting about 2 months now?? Any help would be appreciated.

ventmanswife37 replied: "i had a ectopic PG and got the MTX shot on 8/5/08. My numbers to start with were 3973. I didnt hit zero until 10/13. I know the waiting is unbearable! Hope everything clears up soon for you..9 is very very close."

SZO replied: "Based on research conducted with 77 women who had an ectopic pregnancy, around 74 women were successfully treated with methotrexate. They started with average beta levels of 2592±3771 IU/L with a mass size of about 2-3 cm. It took an average of 1-6 weeks for everything to clear. Since the duration of treatment is dependent on the initial beta levels and size, if you are already at 9, I would give it a week or two weeks more."

What are the comon side effects for methotrexate when used for ectopic pregnancies? I was diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy 2 weeks ago. Last Friday I was given 2 shots of methotrexate. I just began bleeding and cramping heavily yesterday and I'm concerned. It is so bad I can't even work, let alone barely stand. Up til yesterday I had no side effects or symptoms. Also today I just got blood taken and was told my HCG level only dropped in half. Is that normal?

egomezz007 replied: "Yes that is what they want with methotrexate. The reasons they give you the injecions is to avoid surgery. With ectopic pregnancies there is such a high rate of surgery that with methotrexate what it is supposed to do is dissolve the tissue... the pregnancy. The levels should just keep dropping and that would be an effective course of therapy. Ask them for something for the pain. Hopefully they will give you something. Hope you feel better."

Monica L replied: "Sorry for your loss. Yes that is normal-many women's bodies react differently though. Similar to a miscarriage-body is "shedding" the pg. However, if pain doubles you over you might have to be careful of a rupture-pain would be enough for you to go ER."

Any limitations to physical activity or exercise while taking methotrexate? My daughter is taking methotrexate (25 mg. / weekly) for Crohn's Disease. I have found references to the side effect "easy bruising", but not specific information about any possible limitations to exercise. Any information, particularly regarding activities (long-distance running, contacts sports...) in high schoool P.E. classes? Thank you.

Haley P replied: "Methotrexate tends to lower blood counts, especially platelets, so easy bleeding/bruising is common while on the drug. If a patient with a low platelet count starts to bleed, it can be hard to control. I never felt up to participating in sports while doing chemotherapy (methotrexate was part of my regimen a while back) but i dont think it is recommended anyway. Best thing to do would be to call her doctor, dont risk it yet. Hope this helps."

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