Methatrexate experience?

October 2, 2007 8:55 AM

Methatrexate side effects?

I have been prescribed methatrexate (7.5mg/weekly). While I agree with the doctor that it seems to be best course of action I am concerned about the side effects. I have read a lot of stuff on the web, but would like more personal insights. I am particularly interested in the hair loss, mouth sores, overall fatigue. I will also be taking a folic acid supplement.

I have seen the previous question: http://ask.metafilter.com/6692/ and it did not provide much info.

posted by sulaine to health & fitness (4 comments total)

My son was on methatrexate for a while; he got a little queasy with it. Take some TUMS along with your folic acid. The folic acid is a must. He had some fatigue but it was likely brought on by his condition and not the medication.
posted by neilkod at 9:15 AM on October 2, 2007

Methotrexate, you mean?

I have taken it off and on for a couple of years now. I'm about to go back on it. Apart from the whole having-to-avoid-alcohol part, there haven't been many noticeable differences. Never lost hair. The fatigue does happen, but it's not severe, at least not in my case. Just a little more run down than normal.

I did notice that I was much more likely to get sick, though, which is annoying but to be expected when taking an immunosuppresant.
posted by geckoinpdx at 1:13 PM on October 2, 2007

As long as you take the folic acid, you hopefully won't have problems. I'm on 20 mg now, and I'm terribly forgetful about the folic acid, so I sometimes get mouth soars or notice hair loss. But it goes away as soon as I restart the folic acid.

At first, I had what I termed "Methotrexate coma days", because I'd take the MTX in the morning, and then feel exhausted at about 4:00 pm. Once I switched to taking it in the evening, that seemed to pass as well.

Depending on your reasons for taking it, you may find the forums at the Arthritis Foundation helpful. The board for Rheumatoid Arthritis has answered a lot of my questions.
posted by saffry at 3:16 PM on October 2, 2007

hair loss, mouth sores, overall fatigue

Yes, those are the side effects. I didn't have folic acid. Maybe it wasn't used in 1982-83. Keep reminding yourself that the MTX is ultimately good for you. Treat yourself to ice cream, TV movies, whatever you like.
posted by JimN2TAW at 10:06 PM on October 2, 2007