Methatrexate

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Originally Posted by jx2mad

Anyone on this medication. I was put on it today for my problem and am interested in possible side effects. Jim:):):)

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I have been on Methotrexate for about 18 months now for Psoriatic arthritis. It is one of the common drugs for the treatment of auto-immune inflammatory arthritis. The side-effects would have (or bloody well should have !!) been explained to you by your rheumatologist. There is also this link:

http://www.rheumatology.org.au/commu.../MTX210208.pdf

I have experienced no noticeable side effects, but then, in my case, the drug had very few clinical effects either. It probably reduced the pain in my joints by about 5-10%, but many others find it very effective. Everybody reacts differently to these medications, and the process of treatment of auto-immune arthritis is a trial and error process. They certainly won't let you stay on it if there are any persistent side-effects, or adverse blood test results.

Quite apart from side effects, one thing you HAVE to watch is excessive alcohol consumption (bugger!!). If you don't, your liver can be damaged, and in any case, blood tests have to be undergone on a regular basis to check various parameters when you are on these drugs.

In my case, after only limited help from the standard drugs (Sulphasalazine, Methotrexate, Mobic), I qualified for one of the injectable "biologics", and I am now on Enbrel (etanercept), which has completely removed the inflammation. It is a long process getting qualification for these injectable drugs as they are very expensive for the PBS, and I am still on the methotrexate, as it helps prevent antibody build up with the Enbrel. Hangovers, therefore, are a thing of the past .:D

Cheers,

Lionel

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Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift

you can "avoid" arthritis?:eek:

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I think "Wagoo" was referring to common old osteoarthritis, which most of us suffer from later in life due to "wear & tear". Still pretty difficult to avoid - some people have found glucosamine and chondroitin a help, though recent medical studies have poured cold water on it really. Still, the placebo effect can be significant, and physical avoidance, such as choosing low impact exercise, can be very helpful, if you have osteo occurring in your family at an early age.

The inflammatory arthritises, such as rheumatoid and psoriatic cannot be avoided, as they are auto-immune diseases. If you are going to get them, then that's it - you will need to be treated by a rheumatologist, in order to minimise any joint damage, and restore reasonable functionality.

Cheers,

Lionel