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.
August 8, 2021
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members shared mixed experiences with methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis, with some tolerating it well and others facing significant side... Read more

Members shared mixed experiences with methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis, with some tolerating it well and others facing significant side effects including hair loss, muscle deterioration, and feeling aged. Several members emphasized that everyone responds differently to RA medications and encouraged keeping a detailed journal of reactions to share with doctors, switching to alternative treatments like Xeljanz XR when methotrexate fails, and considering injectable forms if tablets cause trouble. A recurring theme was the importance of advocating for better medical care, with strong encouragement to find a new rheumatologist if current care is inadequate, as active RA patients should be seen every three months with regular bloodwork rather than just once yearly.

A myRAteam Member

I started losing all my hair on methotrexate, and my husband felt like I aged ten years on the few months I was on it. Tried humaris and emvrel before taking xelganz XR which I am currently using with limited side effects. I will never take methotrexate again, deteriated my muscle as well.

August 10, 2021
A myRAteam Member

@A myRAteam Member
Time for a new Rheumatologist!
Any time your RA is active, you are on meds, you need to be checked every 3 months, including bloodwork.
I have been in remission starting 9 years, have an occassional flare and my Rheumatologist sees me like clock work every 3 months. She really misses in office visits as it gives her the opportunity to check all of my joints, expressions, order any additional test and verifying my take on things.
See if you have a teaching hospital near you or if you can find a Rheumatologist who also does research. I have been blessed with two who do research and it really makes a difference.
I hope this helps!
You deserve better!

August 9, 2021
A myRAteam Member

I found that out with the meds I was on

August 12, 2021
A myRAteam Member

My RA Dr sees me once a year maybe, they don’t help me much.

August 8, 2021
A myRAteam Member

My hair has got thinner and loads come out when blushing

August 12, 2021

Related Questions

View All
A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Greenville, MI

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Bay City, MI

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