Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Monroe, GA

Has anyone on methotrexate had any problems with their fingernails? It seems that since I was increased from 4 pills (10mg) to 6 pills (15 mg) per week, my nails have thinned tremendously. They have always been thin, but now they are almost like paper. Just scratching my arm, for example, will cause a nail to split and tear below the quik. Most all of my nails are torn below the quik.

Other than this, it seems finally I have relief and have next to no discomfort or notice that I even have… read more

September 15, 2016
 · 
Be the first to react

Answer Summary

Members shared their experiences with fingernail changes while taking methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis, with several confirming that... Read more

Members shared their experiences with fingernail changes while taking methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis, with several confirming that thin, splitting nails are a known side effect, especially at higher doses. Many members recommended practical solutions including taking biotin supplements, ensuring adequate folic acid intake, using calcium and vitamin D3, and consulting nail salons about strengthening products. A recurring theme was the trade-off between managing side effects and achieving RA control, with members noting that while biotin may help somewhat, nail issues often improve when methotrexate is stopped but return when treatment resumes.

A myRAteam Member

@A myRAteam Member. My dr told me about hair loss I still think my hair is thin but I'm getting older as we speak. Lol hope your having a good day.

September 20, 2016
A myRAteam Member

Have not experienced abnormalities of my nail despite a high dose ofv6 tablets per week

September 15, 2016
A myRAteam Member

Yes i have been taking this medication since 2006 and my nails ysed to be very strong and long .now they are so thin and weak they split from the top down to the cutical .i dud notice though when i stopped taking it my nails became stronger again but sadly was put back on it because i was going into flares straight after a flare .

September 16, 2016
A myRAteam Member

Huh? How long have your nails been splitting? My thought maybe since nails are slow growing that maybe once they grow out a bit it will stop since the methotrexate is working. Systemic inflammation wrecks havoc on your whole body and the part of your nails that keep splitting are when you where inflammed and they are just now growing out so they are weak but now that you are getting some control of the RA the new nail that grows should be stronger hopefully but if it continues after about 2months you might have another vitamin or mineral defficiency and could check with your doctor.

September 15, 2016
A myRAteam Member

@A myRAteam Member Wow, 10 tablets weekly is high. Are you on anything else?

May 30, 2017

Related Questions

View All
A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Richmond, KY

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
St. Peters, MO

Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In