Methotrexate User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

• Kar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 29, 2015

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I am 23 years old. I was diagnosed with RA at age 21. My pain, swelling, and fatigue were so severe that I could barely walk and had to be in a wheelchair during my hospital stay. My rheumatologist started me on MTX immediately along with prednisone. At one point, I was also taking Enbrel (biologic), but the auto-injections were so painful that it outweighed the benefit of the drug, and I stopped taking it. I am now only taking prednisone during flare-ups and take 25 mg of MTX every week. The RA already makes me so tired, the added side effects of MTX are next to unbearable. The day after I take the drug, I am so fatigued that I can barely pick my head up. The nausea and vomiting are awful. It makes me think: Would you rather not be able to walk, or walk and be sick?"

• Los...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was on this medicine. I always Google, but this one friend insisted that I didn't and just follow doctors' orders. Worst case scenario, I woke up one morning with dizziness, and it got severe. I was not lightheaded or faint, just dizziness and not able to function. I was laid up for more than 2 weeks due to dizziness. My vital signs were not off, just severe dizziness. This pill has literally caused a life-changing experience. I had to close down my registered home daycare. I'm not even able to function as I used to. Been off the medication for almost 2 years, but I still get dizziness and double vision, not able to take on any sort of employment because I just never know when a flare-up will spike. Yes, I already had other health issues: nerve damage, blood disorders, ringing in both ears, herniated disc. Doctors should be accountable for prescreening their patients. Si"

• Cat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 1, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Started on a low dose about 18 months ago and gradually increased to 5 tabs weekly along with leucovorin (folinic acid) since folic acid didn't stop side effects. Had horrible reactions to several other meds. Joints feel better most days except for flare-ups, which is when doc says to increase. Eight months ago, I started having severe abdominal pain, nausea, and sudden urgent bouts of diarrhea. RA doc said it's NOT MTX. Have had two internal and two external ultrasounds, lab tests, endoscopy with seven biopsies, gallbladder functions test, etc. They only found that my stomach lining is inflamed. Saw three docs plus RA doc, and I still say it's the MTX! Just increased the dose by one tab again, and I barely made it to the toilet! Now they want to try removing my gallbladder to see if it helps, even though low no tests showed it's that!!! Pain is on the upper right side at the bottom of my stomach and goes down from there four inches next to my belly button. Also, the GI doc ruled out appendix, diverticulitis, etc. HELP my belly pain!"

• geo...
• February 22, 2013

For Eczema "After suffering from about 5 years old, I'm now 56. Only been on the medication for approx 9 weeks, the improvement has been amazing. I've been unable to cope with the pain and spent many days in bed over the years, so touch wood, this medication will keep on working."

• Boo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 30, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I started a low dose of methotrexate in October and had no changes. In December, my rheumatologist increased my dose and it was like a switch was turned on. Within a week, I felt better than I have in years. I did have a case of 'thrush' not long after it was increased and a vaginal yeast infection. I have developed fissures on my tongue, but I'm over that - treated - and feeling great. I do get fatigued the day after I take my dose (I take it twice a week) - but that passes quickly. I've also noticed when my doc gives me a shot, it is not as taxing as taking the pills. Lucky for me, he says I can just get the shot instead if I want! Having vitamin B12 shots is also the key - I'm doing shots at home - 1/2 dose every two weeks instead of every 4. Life is good."

• Dor...
• March 4, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "The worst medicine in the market, it almost killed me for I developed methotrexate-induced pneumonia, and I was in the hospital for a week, and developed fibrosis of the lungs. Before you take this HORRIBLE medicine, consult with your doctor for an alternative. Had I known what this medicine does to your body, I would have never taken it."

• Anonymous
• March 23, 2011

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Taking 12.5 mg/week along with Prilosec due to stomach ulcers from too many NSAIDs. Works well on the rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Have been bumping the dose up from 7.5 mg/week and have now run into low platelet count 85 when it should run between 150 and 400. I'm backing off of the methotrexate to see if I get a recovery of my platelet levels. Did a two-month stint without methotrexate and was in massive pain (all the Vicodin in the world could not touch it). It works, but hopefully I'll be able to get by on the lower dose and get a comeback in platelet levels."

• Anonymous
• February 17, 2012

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Been on methotrexate for a few years, started with one pill, then nine pills. Now I do injection 25mg weekly for about a year now. I know there is no cure, and I am thankful this medicine has made it possible to chase grandson around daily."

• Jen...
• April 2, 2015

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I'm on my 3rd month, and I do believe it's helping, but the pain is still there. I have noticed that as the dosage has increased, it takes longer to bounce back, and I'm unable to cut hair as that was my profession before the diagnosis. I hope in time I will be able to get back to work, but I am suffering from several side effects (hair falling out, unusually dry hair, quick to have to rest unlike before, and several others). I was completely bedridden before starting the medication, so needless to say, I don't want to try anything else because I am scared to take the chance that it won't work at all. I know I'm just beginning and hope in time the side effects will fade."

• dai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I started taking Methotrexate on Saturday, Sept. 2nd. My doc wants me to start on six 2.5 mg tablets once a week. Today is Day 3, Tuesday, the 5th, and I feel like rubbish. I am completely drained of all motivation and energy. My head is far from clear thinking. I still have joint pain and a lot of the side effects. I've been on Prednisone for over 3 months, gained close to 20 lbs. Started with 60 mg, then 40 mg, now 30 mg. This got rid of the pain for me, but now that I'm taking Methotrexate, the pain comes and goes and my upper stomach is way off. My anxiety is through the roof too."

• Anonymous
• November 15, 2011

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been taking this medicine since June and recently increased my dose. This medication has not worked for me at all. I continue to have pain and swelling in my wrist and fingers. The only thing that works for me is prednisone."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 31, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been on MTX for almost 2 years. I was diagnosed with JRA when I was 2 years old. I tried Plaquenil when I was about 19 and had an allergic reaction. I had a flare every 5 years or so in my adulthood and took an antibiotic that is prescribed as an off-label treatment for RA until my last flare 2 years ago when I finally gave in and decided to try the MTX, which I fought for years (I am 44). I take 17.5 mg once a week and 1 mg of folic acid daily and have no side effects. It works well, but not perfectly, and I do still have some pain. Right now, I seem to be flaring and may have to try something more. I did try to lower my dose about 4 months ago, but that was a disaster. I am glad I tried it and that it works for me."

• DrG...
• June 15, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "My husband was prescribed methotrexate in February 2016 for sudden severe RA. His symptoms improved. He also took prednisone and NSAIDs. Early August 2016, he had started on the injectable and maximum dose of methotrexate. At the end of August, he was admitted to the hospital with acute bacteremia. He started intravenous antibiotics immediately. While on IV antibiotics, he noticed his RA symptoms had disappeared. Methotrexate was stopped immediately, but he continued on the prednisone. He came home after a week. Now with atrial flutter that had to be ablated after a couple of weeks. The RA doctor would not give him any treatment as he had no symptoms of RA when he visited. After about six weeks, the RA symptoms returned. We asked the doctor if he could continue on the antibiotics. She said no but sent him to an infectious disease doctor who started him on minocycline. He is now pain-free and active with no joint damage."

• Kvb...
• April 9, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was taking methotrexate 20 mg PO for over a year and switched to injectable, which lasted maybe 6 months. I finally just got taken off the methotrexate after seeing my rheumatologist last week. She immediately insisted we get me off of it after I told her my symptoms: weight loss from ~105 lbs-92 lbs (I'm 5 ft), constant nausea, asthmatic symptoms (inhalers didn't help), consistent mouth ulcers, crippling fatigue, and a general feeling of unwellness. After a large work-up with my GP, as she was super concerned something else was going on, I now look back and am surprised I stayed on the methotrexate that long. Ultimately, the drug did an okay job in suppressing flare-ups, but I've whittled down to nothing. Starting sulfasalazine soon..."

• Aro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 13, 2013

For Psoriasis "Started taking methotrexate approximately 1 and a half weeks ago. Already have seen significant improvements. I have had over 75% coverage of psoriasis from head to toe since my teens, and I am now 45. Minor troubling side effects include slight nausea, bad fatigue, and dizziness. These clear up after I finish my three-day treatment. Positive outweighs the negative. I am scheduled for my first liver test on October 1st. In my opinion... worth it!"

• evl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 24, 2017

For Psoriasis "I have been with psoriasis for the past ten years. I went to 3 different doctors, specialists. I treated for an antifungal condition, and I was also treated for ringworms too. I have tried everything apparently available on the shelves, and it cost me so much money too. Went online and found a clinic with only positive reviews. Gave it a go, and I was prescribed methotrexate for only five days. I swear my skin has cleared 85 percent. No itchy tiny patches. All my friends haven't stopped complimenting me. Now I must say that I have been using only paraben-free kinds of stuff for hair and body and kept moisturizing with Aveeno. (No peanuts at all) it's a super trigger for psoriasis- my laundry is also washed with only baby products."

• NW ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 9, 2015

For Psoriasis "Age 59, F, living N W Eire. No history of psoriasis until it struck 2 years ago. Small plaques on scalp, left elbow, then palms of hands, fingers, and soles of feet. Itchy, shredding skin, burning as if stung by nettles. Open, painful cracks. Emollients, lotions, and prescription creams had no effect. Water and detergents irritated. Touch and walking were agony. Latex gloves for shower/chores, cotton gloves at work. Dermatologist found 'debilitating stage 2 psoriatic arthritis' and prescribed 2.5 Methotrexate x6 once weekly, plus Folic Acid and bloods checked weekly. Now in the 7th week. Plus: using hands and walking, no irritation. Neg: tired, poor focus, urinary infections, worse in bad weather, still avoiding water/detergents. Conclusion: Highly recommend Methotrexate."

• Mon...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 22, 2013

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I have been using 20 mg for over a year with few side effects. It didn't take away pain and stiffness 100%, so my doctor included Humira. With both meds, I am virtually pain-free, stiffness and inflammation gone. Before I began treatment, I couldn't tie my shoes, write a letter, or open a jar. Now all of those activities are effortless."

• Juj...
• October 6, 2014

Methotrexate for Psoriasis "Seeing marked improvement in a little over 48 hours of receiving the injection. Psoriasis is 2/3 the coloration as before. After 54 years of having this, I am pleasantly surprised. Thought it would work much slower. At this point, I am thrilled. No side effects yet!"

• DNi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 2, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Methotrexate was effective in the beginning for me. After three years of taking 6 pills weekly, I contracted Lemierre's Syndrome disease and necrotizing fasciitis (two fatal) diseases. I survived and do not take any RA medication. I live a healthy meat-free and low omega-6 and -9 diet. I also used several supplements to keep my immune system healthy, but nothing worked."

• Scr...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 23, 2020

For Eczema "Methotrexate stopped my rashes. I itched, scratched, and bled. I was diagnosed with acute eczema-atopic dermatitis-immune disorder. Because the problem is the skin making too many skin cells, the overabundant new cells try to kick out the older healthy cells. This makes you itch. My itch was uncontrollable with topicals and creams. Methotrexate works by destroying the work of folic acid (needed to build healthy cells). You need to know that a few people may develop lung webbing from methotrexate. You may feel a bit more tired and have more strange BMs a day or two after dosing. It worked for me and is generic and inexpensive. All drugs have side effects."

• hop...
• June 9, 2015

For Psoriasis "Just started the 15 mg dose taken as 6 x 2.5 mg tablets. 1st week taking them I had explosive diarrhea after 1 hour of taking the medication. I hoped it was coincidence. 1 week later I am already seeing an improvement in my psoriasis. I took the dosage this week on an empty stomach and within an hour stomach cramps and diarrhea. I am going to stick with it until my appointment with the dermatologist when I will ask for injections instead. I did have very mild nausea and a slightly fuzzy head after. I will keep you all updated."

• kar...
• October 16, 2016

Methotrexate for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was in remission with Arava and oral methotrexate for 7 years, but stopped taking methotrexate because I didn't think I needed it anymore, and I was slightly nauseated every time I took it. It was a big mistake because my feet are a hot mess. I became totally out of remission with major shoulder/neck pain and fatigue. I recently added Otrexup, in addition to taking Arava. After 2 weeks, I was pain-free and my energy level has returned. I am paying $179 per month for Otrexup, and it's a hardship. I am planning to discuss with my doctor going back on oral methotrexate, which is only $10 per month."

• Ang...
• September 26, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was diagnosed with JRA at 20, although I've had it since I was a very young age. I'm 44 now, and I'm just beginning to take drugs for the disease, as my doctors only prescribed pain relievers. I've been on methotrexate just short of a month. I'm very ill after I take it, and I have chest pain. Hopefully, my body will get used to it, and I'll be better. It's scary for me, and I keep checking the side effects."

• Emm...
• June 15, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I took one dose of three 2.5 mg tablets, and it almost killed me. I ran a fever, had chills, diarrhea, and couldn’t breathe well. I am now taking breathing treatments and hopefully will recover without any damage to my body."