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A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Kentucky

I will be starting Methotrexate for the first time on Monday. (I will be taking 8 pills.) Any advice? What should I expect? I’m a little nervous.

April 14, 2023
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A myRAteam Member

Hi Laurie. I was on 7 Methotrexate pills and 1 Plaquenil for a few years. Then I was on Humira and Methotrexate. Methotrexate is a good medication but you need to watch for any physical changes such as in your breathing. Be certain to have periodic chest X-rays for any kind of lung infection. I had pneumonia and the X-ray showed Rheumatoid lung disease as well. Listen to your body and you will be fine. Good luck with this new treatment plan and with your RA.

April 14, 2023
A myRAteam Member

I took methotrexate for 9 weeks and had severe side effects of my ankles feeling like they were breaking. Also got a rash all over my stomach. I stopped it since I couldn’t tolerate it. 8 pills seems like a lot to start. I thought normally you start with 4 and work your way up. I guess all RA doctors do it differently. Also keep in mind everyone tolerates drugs differently so you may be fine.

April 14, 2023
A myRAteam Member

Pay attention to your body. My hair began to thin. So i got off it. Yet it is the drug of choice for 3 cousins. Got figure. Everyone is different.

April 14, 2023
A myRAteam Member

I am on methotrexate too. Been on it for about 2 months now. My doctor advised me that it will take a few weeks to work. But you have to be careful with those drugs as they can lower your white blood cell count. I've not had any side effects, so far, however.

April 14, 2023
A myRAteam Member

Been on methexate since 1998 I am I shots with humira you will nasa it is cama therapy drug your hair will thin out till it gets use to your body if you can,t do the pills you can go to the shots pills would not stay down for me been on it long time and it works for me watch ppl that are sick try to stay away from them with methexate it lowers your blood cells then it is hard to fight off virus good luck

April 14, 2023

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