MTX how long does it take to show improvement?

[Guest guest]

Hi I am new to this group, my name is Connie, 49 and I have PA, it started in Aug. my reumy has me on MTX, I have taken it for 2 months and I was wondering how long does it take to notice any real improvements taking this drug? My hands are curved like claws and my toes are the typical sausage digets and walking is diffecult at times. I am currently laid off from my job and fear that if the company dosen,t recall me I will lose my insurance, I am signed up with vocational rehab. but not until April11, hopefully they will train me to do some type of office work so I can remain working, many people seem to think I should be recieving SSI but I really would like to work as long as possible. Can anyone answer my questions about how long this medication takes to show some improvement? Sorry for such a long message.

Connie

[Guest guest]

hi connie

my name is rosemary. i've been in the group for a few months now. i have pa for

about a year now. i'm 39. i started taking vioxx almost a year ago. it helped a

bit. i started on mtx in sept. i saw now results at all. as my pa worsened i

became more worried i was in such pain. i can related to the curved fingers and

saugage toes. walking was hell. anyhow by nov. i was desperate. my rheumy added

enbrel to my meds. and after the first shot i saw a big improvement. after a

few more (twice a week) i was pretty much back to normal.. thank god.

good luck with your health.

ro

[Guest guest]

my reumy has me on MTX, I have taken it for 2 months

and I was

wondering how long does it take to notice any real

improvements taking this

drug?

Connie, I have had PA for about 10 yrs and recently

started MTX. I started out with the pills (10mg) then

after 10 weeks was showing no improvement and my Doc

started me on the injections(.8 cc). I have now done

the injections for 6 weeks (total 16 weeks on mtx) and

started showing results. I thought it would never

happen. I was so frustrated waiting for the results to

happen. Everyone else noticed the improvements in me

before I did. I think that for most of us it is such a

big choice to go on mtx that we mentally expect asap

results. I kept staring at my knuckles waiting for

them to instantly look better. Hang in there it usally

takes at least 3-4 months so I seen through these

posts.

Judy in ca

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I'm not sure about enbrels availability but i do know you have to enroll in

the enbrel program and they send you a card that must be shown for each

refill.

[Guest guest]

Hello,

Is enbrel readily available? That is - are there shortages of this med.?

Thanks,

Greg

Re: [ ] MTX how long does it take to show

improvement?

> hi connie

>

> my name is rosemary. i've been in the group for a few months now. i have

pa for about a year now. i'm 39. i started taking vioxx almost a year ago.

it helped a bit. i started on mtx in sept. i saw now results at all. as my

pa worsened i became more worried i was in such pain. i can related to the

curved fingers and saugage toes. walking was hell. anyhow by nov. i was

desperate. my rheumy added enbrel to my meds. and after the first shot i

saw a big improvement. after a few more (twice a week) i was pretty much

back to normal.. thank god.

> good luck with your health.

> ro

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 03/13/2001 8:39:10 PM Eastern Standard Time, gvel@...

writes:

<< Is enbrel readily available? That is - are there shortages of this med.?

>>

Greg - Unfortunately, the answer to your questions are no and yes. Enbrel is

NOT available unless you were previously taking it. There are shortages

because the company cannot keep up production with demand. From what I read,

their facility is too small and they are working on getting a larger facility

so they can keep up with demand. But unfortunately, if you hadn't been on

Enbrel prior to 1/1/01, you can't get it now.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 03/12/2001 11:50:27 PM Eastern Standard Time,

CHI4171990@... writes:

<<

>>

Hi Connie,

You are the same age as me and I've had pa since Sept. I went on MTX in

December and did not show much improvement on the pills. I started on 15mg

injection in February and within 3 days I saw results. You may want to check

into going with the injections vs. orally. The injections are absorbed into

the body better.

Good luck and hang in there.

Edie

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/14/01 2:57:08 AM Central Standard Time, writes:

MTX how long does it take to show improvement?

Hi Greg,

Embrel is only available for patients that were already taking it and who filled out enrollment cards before Jan 1. Demand for it exceeded the supply and the company is building another production facility as quidkly as possible. I am not sure when it will be up and running, but then it will be available for new scripts.

Hope this helps.