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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.

Has anyone had trouble with methatrexate?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Corning, IA

I started having stomach flu symptoms when would give myself a shot. Spent the day in bed , then it turned into 2 days.

July 28, 2020
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Answer Summary

Members openly discussed the challenging side effects of methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis, with many describing initial flu-like... Read more

Members openly discussed the challenging side effects of methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis, with many describing initial flu-like symptoms, nausea, fatigue, mouth sores, and particularly distressing hair loss that eventually improved for some after several months. Several members emphasized the critical importance of taking folic acid or methylfolate to reduce side effects, getting regular liver function tests, and communicating openly with doctors, with one member sharing a serious cautionary experience of reaching toxic levels four times monthly for a year without the protective medication leucovorin, ultimately leading to stage 4 liver failure. A recurring theme was the difficult but necessary balance between tolerating harsh medication side effects and finding relief from debilitating pain, with members offering both practical solutions like biotin supplements, laser caps, and prescription minoxidil for hair loss, and emotional support reminding each other that these powerful drugs take three to six months to work and require patience and self-advocacy.

A myRAteam Member

The side effect of methotrexate can last for months which is horrible once ur body gets used to the meds u should have no problems after that I have been on it for a long time xx

July 30, 2020
A myRAteam Member

Initially I freaked out with hair loss but I have a lot of hair thank goodness You HAVE to take Folic Acid but I have the MTHFR gene so I have to take 15mg of Methylfolate which can be prescribed by your doctor or you can get it on Amazon. You want 15 mg... I also take 10,000 mcg of BIOTIN. You can also invest in a laser cap for hair loss which I also did (about $600) and there is also Visceral Capsules you can get from the pharmacy which is for hair loss. Since taking the Methylfolate 15 mg - I notice a decrease in my hair loss. There is also prescription strength Minoxydil (stronger than Rogaine) and you can have your dermatologist or doctor prescribe it for you If you need info, just contact me and I can give you the info for you to pass on to your doctor. good Luck

August 14, 2020
A myRAteam Member

I have had loss ,that was hard. My hair is no longer beautiful;(

August 5, 2020
A myRAteam Member

Hang in there, some DMARDs take time to work, between 3 to 6 months. All we can do is just take pain medication until the treatments start working

August 1, 2020
A myRAteam Member

There are side effects of Methotrexate. I took this medication for about 7 years. I Initially felt tired with flu like symptoms and also nausea. These symptoms eventually went away after 6 or 9 months of taking it. Let your Doctor know if this persist or if you can’t tolerate it though, only you know how much you can tolerate.
Best wishes

July 29, 2020

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