Looks like I will start on Metho. any advice from users

[K969]

Hi,
When I was re dx SP in August and was taken off Betaferon my Neuro mentioned that we have the option of trying Methotrexate.

I was scared by what I researched on the internet but since that time I have been reconsidering it.

I go to the city on the 1st may to see Neuro and will be discussing it then.

IF it is still all go I will not start until late May. I go for my 6 monthly/2 week respite in May and want to be home with Hubby when I start it.,

Now my GP has said he supports me IF I try the Metho but admits that he has never had a patient on Methotrexate with MS and so he will be relying on alot of information from my Neuro.

Has any of you guys been on Metho and what was your story with it?
Did you get the side effects i read about? Did it help with your MS?
Do you really think it was all worth it?

Thanks for any replies I get
Love to all
Tracey

[Abby2006]

I'd never even heard of it, so looked it up for my own information Sounds like serious stuff

Abby

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What is methotrexate?

Methotrexate is a medicine that makes your immune system less active. Methotrexate is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and other diseases that are associated with an immune system that is too active. Methotrexate can help people who have these problems. But because it can cause some serious side effects, it must be used carefully.

How do I take methotrexate?
Methotrexate is usually taken by mouth as a tablet. Sometimes it is given as an injection (a shot). It is a strong medicine, so it is important to take it exactly as the doctor tells you. NEVER change the amount you take or the time of day you take this medicine. If you forget a dose, talk to your doctor before you take another dose. If you take too much methotrexate, it can cause serious side effects.


What are the most common side effects of methotrexate?
Some common side effects are loss of appetite, nausea (and sometimes vomiting), diarrhea and mouth sores. Be sure to tell your doctor about any side effects you are having.

Call your doctor right away if you:

Have a fever or feel as if you have the flu.
Have diarrhea.
Have a nagging cough.
Feel short of breath.
Have any unusual bruising or bleeding (e.g., black, tarry stools).
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What else should I remember about taking methotrexate?
It's important to keep every appointment with your doctor. Your doctor will need to watch the medicine's effect on your body. Your doctor will also order blood tests to check your kidneys, liver and blood production.

Don't drink any alcohol, not even beer or wine. Drinking alcohol while you're taking methotrexate can cause serious liver problems.

Don't take medicine for pain or inflammation unless your doctor tells you it's okay. Pain medicines can increase the effects of methotrexate, which can be bad for you.

Don't get any vaccines ("shots") while you are taking methotrexate. If you have stopped taking methotrexate, talk to your doctor to make sure that it's okay to have an immunization.

Taking methotrexate can make it easier for you to get an infection, so try to avoid people who are sick.


Can I take methotrexate if I want to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?
No. Do not take methotrexate if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding. Methotrexate can hurt your baby.

You must not get pregnant while taking methotrexate. You must either use birth control (such as birth control pills, or a condom plus a spermicidal foam) or not have sex. If your doctor tells you to stop taking methotrexate, you must continue to use birth control or not have sex for 1 month after your last dose.


I am a man, and I want to get my partner pregnant. Can I take methotrexate?
No. Methotrexate goes into your sperm. You must either use birth control or not have sex. You must continue to use birth control or not have sex for 3 months after your last dose of methotrexate.

[Lazarus]

I have a friend who is also on it. We both take pills. We take a very low dose. (my friend 10 mg. and I take 7.5mg) We both take pills.

I had no reaction. My friend has been taking it for years and had not had any bad reaction.

We both take copaxone also.

I am still on IVIg and my friend gets steroids. I think she does them every 3 or 4 months. My neuro had said I would switch to steroids but now he is holding back. Maybe just until he sees how I am with the metho.

Anyway, that is all I really know. My friend and I have blood tests every 2 weeks.

[Meg1]

I take methotrexate for arthritis, not MS (and I don't have MS), so the effects of MTX for MS patients may be different but, in general, it's been a pretty benign drug. It's considered a second-line treatment for arthritis, taken after NSAID's, but before daily steroids or the newer TNF-modifying drugs (Enbrel, Humira, etc.). Thirty or so years ago when it started being used for RA it was considered a powerful and dangerous drug--sort of a last resort--but years of experience has proven that's it's not particularly toxic. In fact, it used to be recommended that all MTX users have a liver needle biopsy after two years of treatment but that is no longer the standard of care.

After starting mtx an arthritis patient will have liver panels and white blood counts taken every four weeks then, assuming no problems after a few months, every eight weeks. I've never heard of a doctor requiring blood tests every two weeks but maybe the recommendations for MS are different.

I should say that most arthritis patients take 10 to 25 mg. per week so the above information applies only to doses in that range. I've had no significant side effects--just slight nausea.

[Matt]

I had no side effects, but I had to stop taking it because I kept drinking alcohol, which is not allowed if you are taking methtrexate. I was put on it because I was having too many flares of blurry vision. I had another flare of blurry vision right after I started it.

[PattiLee]

Greetings HippieChick!

No clue about the drug, but Your hubby is much your support system.

I'd wait until he's able to home with you. You'll feel a lot more secure that way. Emotional stability makes a lot of difference when starting a new med, and he's your rock. If you go for it, start when he gets back.

Blessings!
PattiLee

[Braindead]

DO NOT DO IT! I TRIED IT AND I DID NOT SURVIVE!!

Braindead

[K969]

Thank You all for your input.

Braindead-------What do you mean I DID NOT SURVIVE?

PattiLee_-------Hey there, It is me that is going into respite. Hubby stays home with our son. But YES I would be waiting until I GET home. I only go for 2 weeks. Have told my doctor this already and he agrees, wait till I get back home in MY comfort Zone and have Gary (Hubby) close by.

Matt---------I had to stop drinking alcohol along time ago due to the very mixed nag of drugs I take. I did have 1 can of alcohol on the weekend and then I was laid out for the rest of the day.:D So NOT drinking at all wouldnt bother me at all. I already read about that.

Meg--------- I read that it is used primarily for Arthritis but like so many other drugs it can be used for other conditions also. I am so glad that the only side effect you get is a little nausea.

Lazarus-------- I am so pleased to hear that you and your friend have no side effects. You did mention though that you are still on Copazone. I will be on nothing. Neuro stopped Beta in august after 7 years on Interferons. It is not approved here in Oz once you become SP.

Abby---------Looks like you did the same search I did last year after Neuro mentioned it to me. Yeah i got really scared about it all. I have a fear coz I read about alot of meds that you cant take whilst on Metho and I take alot of what was mentioned. Painkillers-------- yeah well they are like chocolate to me ie: cant go without it. And I already Heart Disease and medication for that and then there's the Liver problems. I have a Fatty Liver and all bloodwork comes back with liver functions abnormal. But then both my Neuro and doctor know all this anyway.

Thanks again for all your replies.

Love to all
Tracey aka Hippie Chick. Thought I would add that seeing as PattiLee mentioned it. ;)