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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.

Worse?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Atlanta, GA

Yes, i know it takes a while for ra meds to kick in, i get that. But i have been on methotrexate for a month now and i feel worse like worse than what i did before i even started any medication at all. My joints are more swollen. I am in a ton of pain, im limping now cuz i cant even put weight on my knees hardly my elbows feel like they are bein ripped out of their socket and my wrists just seriously bad. Does this make any sense? I mean i know i could be in a flare but why am i getting worse… read more

October 4, 2019
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Answer Summary

Members responded to concerns about worsening symptoms after a month on methotrexate, reassuring that it can take up to three months for the... Read more

Members responded to concerns about worsening symptoms after a month on methotrexate, reassuring that it can take up to three months for the medication to fully work and that flares can still occur during that time. Several members shared their own experiences with methotrexate, including one who had to stop it after six months due to worsening symptoms and side effects, while others found relief through alternative approaches like cannabis oil combined with a low-carb diet or switching to biologics like Humira. A recurring theme was the importance of staying in close contact with your rheumatologist, considering anti-inflammatory medications or pain relievers to bridge the gap until the methotrexate takes effect, and being open to trying different treatments if symptoms continue to worsen.

A myRAteam Member

It's possible that you are in a flare. My rheumy put me on anti-inflammatory meds when I started MTX. They helped until the MTX could kick in. It takes a few months for the MTX to work. Maybe check in with your doctor and see what could be causing your symptoms. I can no longer take the anti-inflammants, but Tylenol Arthritis really helps me. Hope you get better quickly. Hugs...

Pat

October 4, 2019
A myRAteam Member

It can take up to 3 months to work...

October 10, 2019
A myRAteam Member

Not sure where you are from but as it gets cold you’ll be sore more than usual. Sounds corny but true! You can even tell when cold or rainy weather is coming. Hang on babe!

October 4, 2019
A myRAteam Member

Yeah im taking folic acid with it, they are going to give me four more weeks on it and if i dont show improvement ill be going on something else

October 28, 2019
A myRAteam Member

Hi I actually had to stop the mtx after about 6 months because it made me wayyy too sick and my flares worse! I also started getting symptoms of pleural effusion and since I already have asthma that is not good on top of that SO i stopped taking mtx. I use humira now. Are you doing folic acid with the methotrexate? That helps symptoms. A compound pharmacy can do methylated folic acid which metabolizes slower too

October 27, 2019

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