MTX side effects

[Guest guest]

I dont get a rash but I do get itchy. The rash people get taking mtx and plaquenil may also be allergic to sulfa drugs which I am. There are other drugs out there to lower your immune system, like Imuran or ridura? I also thought possibly cyclosporine might be indicated possibly. That is a transplant rejection drug that isnt used much for RA anymore in light of the new biologics but I must say I used it for about 3 years with very good results before Remicade. There are probably cutting edge immunosuppresants out there. If I find something, I will send to the board. Yours, Deborah

On 1/24/06, i_live_in_slippers <bart.tracy@...> wrote:

Hi all,I was on and off plaquenil for about 1 1/2years and finally stoppedtaking it due to the rash and skin irratation it caused, primarily

on my face.I was put on MTX about 3 weeks ago and have taken 2 doses,coincidentally the same rash has returned to my face. I stayed offmy plaquenil about 4 months before going on MTX and my skin was back

to perfect during that time, 2 doses of MTX and the " rash " is back.I called doc today since tonight would be my next dose and she's outof town till Monday so the dr on call said to wait and skip this

dose till I can talk to her.Anyonelse have skin reactions to MTX? I'm feeling frustrated becauseI dont remember hearing about skin problems with MTX like withplaquenil and am wondering what I can take that won't make my skin

look so bad. It gets a raised red bumby/hive type looking rash.Thankfully my makeup covers it but it sometimes itches and burns.Not something I want to tolerate long term from my meds.T.

[Guest guest]

Thanks

> >

> > Hi all,

> >

> > I was on and off plaquenil for about 1 1/2years and finally

stopped

> > taking it due to the rash and skin irratation it caused,

primarily

> > on my face.

> >

> > I was put on MTX about 3 weeks ago and have taken 2 doses,

> > coincidentally the same rash has returned to my face. I stayed

off

> > my plaquenil about 4 months before going on MTX and my skin was

back

> > to perfect during that time, 2 doses of MTX and the " rash " is

back.

> > I called doc today since tonight would be my next dose and she's

out

> > of town till Monday so the dr on call said to wait and skip this

> > dose till I can talk to her.

> >

> > Anyonelse have skin reactions to MTX? I'm feeling frustrated

because

> > I dont remember hearing about skin problems with MTX like with

> > plaquenil and am wondering what I can take that won't make my

skin

> > look so bad. It gets a raised red bumby/hive type looking rash.

> > Thankfully my makeup covers it but it sometimes itches and burns.

> > Not something I want to tolerate long term from my meds.

> >

> > T.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Is the rash in a pattern? Like the shape of a butterfly on both

cheeks and across the bridge of the nose? If so I would definately

let your doc know about it.

I personally never go a rash on my face but on other parts of my

body. Since coming off MTX no more rash.

I just forgot...LOL...I am also suppose to be taking plaquinil too!!

I guess I need to rememember and start taking it again!

Toni

>

> Hi all,

>

> I was on and off plaquenil for about 1 1/2years and finally stopped

> taking it due to the rash and skin irratation it caused, primarily

> on my face.

>

> I was put on MTX about 3 weeks ago and have taken 2 doses,

> coincidentally the same rash has returned to my face. I stayed off

> my plaquenil about 4 months before going on MTX and my skin was

back

> to perfect during that time, 2 doses of MTX and the " rash " is back.

> I called doc today since tonight would be my next dose and she's

out

> of town till Monday so the dr on call said to wait and skip this

> dose till I can talk to her.

>

> Anyonelse have skin reactions to MTX? I'm feeling frustrated

because

> I dont remember hearing about skin problems with MTX like with

> plaquenil and am wondering what I can take that won't make my skin

> look so bad. It gets a raised red bumby/hive type looking rash.

> Thankfully my makeup covers it but it sometimes itches and burns.

> Not something I want to tolerate long term from my meds.

>

> T.

>

[Guest guest]

Since you said your have bumps and itchiness. Are they sort of like acne but not, really just a pimple and mostly around your mouth? Yes, it's a side effect of the MTX. My Rheumy thinks it's a yeast infection from the MTX, but after a month and using a Rx creme, it's only lessened my bumps and I'm not scratching to the point of bleeding. What I think is happening, YMMV, it that the side effect bumps from the MTX cause a environment that makes me prone to yeast and/or bactrial infections.

Month sores are also a side effect. Oh, happy, happy, joy, joy. If the disease doesn't get to you, the side effects will annoy you to tears. Ya gotta keep a sense of humor, I guess.

[Guest guest]

a butterfly rash on the face can be a sign of lupus....gentle hugs!

Marcia

--- Ms radar <aclavern33@...> wrote:

> Is the rash in a pattern? Like the shape of a butterfly on both

> cheeks and across the bridge of the nose? If so I would definately

> let your doc know about it.

>

> I personally never go a rash on my face but on other parts of my

> body. Since coming off MTX no more rash.

>

> I just forgot...LOL...I am also suppose to be taking plaquinil too!!

>

> I guess I need to rememember and start taking it again!

>

> Toni

>

>

> >

> > Hi all,

> >

> > I was on and off plaquenil for about 1 1/2years and finally stopped

>

> > taking it due to the rash and skin irratation it caused, primarily

> > on my face.

> >

> > I was put on MTX about 3 weeks ago and have taken 2 doses,

> > coincidentally the same rash has returned to my face. I stayed off

> > my plaquenil about 4 months before going on MTX and my skin was

> back

> > to perfect during that time, 2 doses of MTX and the " rash " is back.

>

> > I called doc today since tonight would be my next dose and she's

> out

> > of town till Monday so the dr on call said to wait and skip this

> > dose till I can talk to her.

> >

> > Anyonelse have skin reactions to MTX? I'm feeling frustrated

> because

> > I dont remember hearing about skin problems with MTX like with

> > plaquenil and am wondering what I can take that won't make my skin

> > look so bad. It gets a raised red bumby/hive type looking rash.

> > Thankfully my makeup covers it but it sometimes itches and burns.

> > Not something I want to tolerate long term from my meds.

> >

> > T.

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Also, I'm not sure if this is used for JRA or RA, but Cellcept is a

good drug as well. I was on it for my Uveitis, which is inflammtion of

the eye. It works really well, and no side effects! It's a transplant

drug. You should ask your doctor if they use this for RA.

[Guest guest]

I just want to write a thank you to all that responded to my question

about the possible skin reactions to MTX. I appreciate it

My dr. comes back in town on Monday, well I shouldn't say " in town "

because I actually drive 1 1/2 hours each way to the dr. *ugh* but

she'll be back in her office and I can hopefully get some answers and

find out what I'm to do now

Thanks

[Guest guest]

I took my MTX last night and today I had my teenage daughter

snarl: " You have a low aura--you're just a blob--go back to bed where

you belong! " Then I went to visit my mom who mocked me a couple of

times for minor " brain fog " moments. I was surprised at the lack of

compassion, but will not dwell on it.

Sierra

>

> I started MTX about 4 weeks ago. Since I went up to a full 10 mgs

(1

> Pill) I am having confusion that lasts 2 or 3 days after taking the

> pill. I make bad judgements when driving and cannot remember where

I

> left my car at the store. My husband says I'm " not there. " He has

> forbidden me to drive until I can carry on a conversation with him

and

> prove I can drive with him in the car.

>

> I am also having extreme dizzy and tiredness that happens quickly

then

> I sleep for 2 to 8 hours at a time. It usually starts with a

feeling

> in my upper chest that something is tight and fluttery inside, then

I

> get a headache. The next thing I know I am so sleepy I can't say

awake.

>

> Anybody else have this problem???

>

> Stacey

>

[Guest guest]

>

> I started MTX about 4 weeks ago. Since I went up to a full 10 mgs

(1

> Pill) I am having confusion that lasts 2 or 3 days after taking

the

> pill. I make bad judgements when driving and cannot remember where

I

> left my car at the store.

> My husband says I'm " not there. " He has

> forbidden me to drive until I can carry on a conversation with him

and

> prove I can drive with him in the car.

I have noticed the same, though perhaps not to the same extent you

are experiencing. But I forgot to put the car in neutral when going

through the car wash the other day, and ended up hitting the car in

front of me, plus taking out my mirror on one of the car wash swing

arms. Neither car was badly damaged... the other car only had a

cracked tail light lens. But I felt REALLY stupid.

Now that I'm aware of it, I'm trying to be extra careful. As the

mom of two young teens (both in schools in other towns that require

that they be driven) and with a CPA husband working 70 hours a week

at the moment, not driving is NOT an option.

> I am also having extreme dizzy and tiredness that happens quickly

then

> I sleep for 2 to 8 hours at a time. It usually starts with a

feeling

> in my upper chest that something is tight and fluttery inside,

then I

> get a headache. The next thing I know I am so sleepy I can't say

awake.

>

> Anybody else have this problem???

Yes, though it doesn't happen so quickly. Usually about 8 hourse

after I take it, I sort of " hit the wall " , and suddenly get so

exhausted I can't stay on my feet. I was also getting flu-like

symptoms, where I ached all over, had chills, and was sneezing and

had a very runny nose. The Rheumatologist said these are well known

side effects. She gave me a prescription for Leucovorin (folinic

acid) which I am supposed to take 12 hours after the Mtx to help

with side effects. (I also take folic acid daily) I can't really

wait 12 hours to take the Leucovorin, because I'd be in a stupor by

then.

The best schedule I've found for me so far is to take the Mtx around

noon time. That usually gives me time to get through the day. Then

when I'm beginning to crash, around 8:00, I take the Leucovorin and

go to bed. I usually sleep straight through until 9 or 10 the next

morning. (I take it on Friday, so I can sleep Sat. morning) Doing it

this way, and with a couple of strong cups of coffee after I DO get

up Sat. morning, I'm usually more or less functional for the

weekend. I don't think my brain is working well enough that I'd

trust myself on serious work, though, so I really have to take it

over the weekend. The Leucovorin DEFINITELY makes it better... I

get very tired from the Mtx now, but the terrible chills, achiness,

and runny nose/sneezing have totally stopped.

I haven't been on Mtx that long yet (about 5 weeks, up to 12.5 mg,

heading for a target dose of 15 mgs in another 3 weeks) and I'm

HOPING that the side effects will wane as my body adjusts to the

meds. If not, I'll have to do something different... I can't lose

such a huge chunk out of every week long-term if there are any

alternatives. The good news is that I do think it's helping with

the RA, and I didn't feel like there was an increase in side effects

when I went from 10mg to 12.5.

[Guest guest]

I had the same problem when I was on MTX. Try taking it at bedtime

with some crackers or small snack and then go to sleep. Hopefully

you will sleep through the immediate side effects. Folic acid or

luekovorin also helps with the side effects as does drinking plenty

of water to help flush it out. Some people also have to have large

doses of folic acid as well. Some claim that going to injectable MTX

also reduces the side effects as well. Some also claim that over

time your body adjusts.

I was not so lucky. I had severe dizziness, foggyness, nausea,

vomiting and diarrhea as well as lots of sores on all my mucous

membranes...so I finally gave up on the MTX.

Some have reported that going up on the dose very gradual also helps

the body adjust.

I hope you feel better

Toni

>

> I started MTX about 4 weeks ago. Since I went up to a full 10 mgs

(1

> Pill) I am having confusion that lasts 2 or 3 days after taking the

> pill. I make bad judgements when driving and cannot remember where

I

> left my car at the store. My husband says I'm " not there. " He has

> forbidden me to drive until I can carry on a conversation with him

and

> prove I can drive with him in the car.

>

> I am also having extreme dizzy and tiredness that happens quickly

then

> I sleep for 2 to 8 hours at a time. It usually starts with a

feeling

> in my upper chest that something is tight and fluttery inside, then

I

> get a headache. The next thing I know I am so sleepy I can't say

awake.

>

> Anybody else have this problem???

>

> Stacey

>

[Guest guest]

Dear - Fatigue is a big side effect. I take mine at night once a week and expect to do nothing the next day. Some people have a harder time than others. I found a super multi vitamin helps along with folic acid. Folate gets leached out of your system and I found it helps to take leukovorin which is a mega folate. Know that you are not alone. I am down to one 2.5 mg pill now but at one time took 8 pills. We all understand here. You are among friends. Hugs, Deborah

On 3/18/06, snowdrift52003 <snowdrift52003@...> wrote:

I took my MTX last night and today I had my teenage daughtersnarl: " You have a low aura--you're just a blob--go back to bed where

you belong! " Then I went to visit my mom who mocked me a couple oftimes for minor " brain fog " moments. I was surprised at the lack ofcompassion, but will not dwell on it.Sierra>> I started MTX about 4 weeks ago. Since I went up to a full 10 mgs

(1> Pill) I am having confusion that lasts 2 or 3 days after taking the> pill. I make bad judgements when driving and cannot remember whereI> left my car at the store. My husband says I'm " not there. " He has

> forbidden me to drive until I can carry on a conversation with himand> prove I can drive with him in the car.>> I am also having extreme dizzy and tiredness that happens quicklythen

> I sleep for 2 to 8 hours at a time. It usually starts with afeeling> in my upper chest that something is tight and fluttery inside, thenI> get a headache. The next thing I know I am so sleepy I can't say

awake.>> Anybody else have this problem???>> Stacey>

[Guest guest]

> Yes, though it doesn't happen so quickly. Usually about 8 hourse

> after I take it, I sort of " hit the wall " , and suddenly get so

> exhausted I can't stay on my feet. I was also getting flu-like

> symptoms, where I ached all over, had chills, and was sneezing and

> had a very runny nose. The Rheumatologist said these are well known

> side effects. She gave me a prescription for Leucovorin (folinic

> acid) which I am supposed to take 12 hours after the Mtx to help

> with side effects. (I also take folic acid daily) I can't really

> wait 12 hours to take the Leucovorin, because I'd be in a stupor by

> then.

>

> The best schedule I've found for me so far is to take the Mtx around

> noon time. That usually gives me time to get through the day. Then

> when I'm beginning to crash, around 8:00, I take the Leucovorin and

> go to bed. I usually sleep straight through until 9 or 10 the next

> morning. (I take it on Friday, so I can sleep Sat. morning) Doing it

> this way, and with a couple of strong cups of coffee after I DO get

> up Sat. morning, I'm usually more or less functional for the

> weekend. I don't think my brain is working well enough that I'd

> trust myself on serious work, though, so I really have to take it

> over the weekend. The Leucovorin DEFINITELY makes it better... I

> get very tired from the Mtx now, but the terrible chills, achiness,

> and runny nose/sneezing have totally stopped.

>

--

It's interesting how doctors can differ...

I've been on MTX for about 5 months now. I'm currently taking 15mg a

week, with no real side effects. My doctor prescribed Leucovorin for

me as well, but he said that I could take it at the same time I take

my MTX. He said that a lot of doctors want you to wait a day or so to

take it, but from what he's seen it doesn't really matter. I usually

take my MTX about an hour or two before I go to bed Friday night. I

do usually wait an hour or two to take my Leucovorin--so take that

right before I go to bed. This seems to work well for me. I sleep in

a bit longer than I used to on Saturdays, but after I wake up, I'm

functional and have a fairly normal day.

I have to say I'm much better than I was, but I'm still not 100%...I

can't make a fist with either hand and my ankles continue to give me

problems. My doctor said that if I'm not quite a bit improved by my

next visit, he's going to start working with the insurance company to

put my on a biologic (probably Enbrel).

dordale