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Meds

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Tucson, AZ

I take plaquilnil and meththotrexate so far third time feel sickto stomach. And have head ache. Very tired is this normal will it go away took it today

September 12, 2017
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Answer Summary

Members responded to concerns about nausea, headaches, and fatigue from Plaquenil and methotrexate by overwhelmingly recommending taking... Read more

Members responded to concerns about nausea, headaches, and fatigue from Plaquenil and methotrexate by overwhelmingly recommending taking methotrexate at night before bed to sleep through side effects, a strategy many credited with making the medication tolerable over many years. Several members shared that switching from oral methotrexate pills to injectable forms dramatically reduced or eliminated stomach upset, and many emphasized the importance of taking prescription-strength folic acid daily to combat side effects and getting regular eye exams while on Plaquenil. A recurring theme was that while some members experienced serious side effects like hair loss, diarrhea, rashes, or extreme fatigue that led them to stop treatment, others found relief through timing adjustments, medication forms, or adding supportive measures like taking meds with milk and food.

A myRAteam Member

I take Plaquenil along with injectable methotrexate(Rasuvo). Taking the injectable really helps with stomach issues.

September 13, 2017
A myRAteam Member

Hi Debra,have you tried taking your meds with milk? My specialist and pharmacist both recommended taking them with food as well as milk.It helped I experienced no nausea or vomiting.

September 13, 2017
A myRAteam Member

@A myRAteam Member They still use it as a chemo drug for some childhood cancers. The dosage we are on is considerably less. Are you taking anything now? Sometimes methotrexate is not enough to control the disease and another drug needs to be added usually a biologic. @A myRAteam Member The injectable is supposed to help those who can;t take it orally. Also make sure you are taking a prescription dosage of folic acid daily, I found the plaquenil gave me diarrhea. So the two meds together could make you feel sick to your stomach.

September 17, 2017
A myRAteam Member

Don't do well with oral mtx. I take a shot once per week. I then go to bed and just kinda conk out. A bit drowsy next day.,

September 22, 2017
A myRAteam Member

I am on Leflunomide and I was still getting medium flare ups. My dr added Methotrexate and the side effects I had were horrible. Diarrhea, major fatigue, headaches, nauseous, rash under my arms, tingling in feet. I was miserable for a month so I stopped and all the side effects went away. It did stop my flare ups but not worth the side effects. I am currently trying to get off my prednisone and still having some small flare ups that I control with taking extra prednisone. I am scared to try a new RA drug.

September 18, 2017

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