methotrexate

[stephwest]

What is the normal way to get off methotrexate, we talk about taper for Pred but do people on methotrexate just stop at some point.
If we taper Pred to soon you can get flare, if we stop MTX what is the result WG wise.
I am on 20mg MTX once a week (8x2.5 mg tabs) what would happen if I stopped taking them? (hypothetical)

[mishb]

Stephen,

A flare due to reduction, or no, pred is mainly the inflammation returning and therefore, pain returns.

By stopping the immuno suppressant, which, as far as I know, you can stop straight away without a taper, can result in a flare due to the immune system returning back to overactive and therefore, you run the risk of WG attacking your own body again and possibly different organs could be affected.
Sometimes you need to stop them for a week or two for various reasons, without much harm being done. ie, maybe you need an operation, or maybe your white cells or liver are playing up.

It's not recommended to stop them without consultation with your specialist - but, (and I'm glad we are talking hypothetically), you can do it, without a taper.

I hope someone corrects me, if I have just given the wrong info

[pwc51]

After my first flare I stopped the MTX, not tapering, whilst they tried cyclophosphamide. On my second flare we continued with MTX right through the RTX treatment. I am currently on 20mg per week, injected.

[D.B.]

i stopped taking mtx several times and within 6 months symptoms came back. i was frustrated that i was undiagnosed and takjng such potentially harmful drug.

[Wegetarian]

i stopped taking mtx several times and within 6 months symptoms came back. i was frustrated that i was undiagnosed and takjng such potentially harmful drug.

Is MTX so harmful? I haven't really read anything bad about it. I mean I heard CTX increases the risk for cancer and at another forum I heard Aza would increase the risk for breast cancer but haven't heard anything negative about MTX with the exception of feeling nauseous and increased liver values for some.

[annekat]

My doc had me taper CTX to get off it, and then had me overlap the reduced dose with MTX for a couple weeks, and has now talked about me tapering the MTX to eventually get off it. But I think this tapering is more to avoid possible flaring from sudden stopping, and not because of the issues involved with pred, where suddenly stopping can result in terrible withdrawal symptoms and adrenal shock.

[gunnyl]

I went straight from MTX to Imuran and cold turkey off the MTX. You do still need to take the Folic Acid for 4 - 6 Months after stopping the MTX though.

[D.B.]

Is MTX so harmful? I haven't really read anything bad about it. I mean I heard CTX increases the risk for cancer and at another forum I heard Aza would increase the risk for breast cancer but haven't heard anything negative about MTX with the exception of feeling nauseous and increased liver values for some.
yes its highly toxic drug. even at low levels. i developed skin and oral mucousa issues from it. Methotrexate Official FDA information, side effects and uses. (http://www.drugs.com/pro/methotrexate)

[stephwest]

Is MTX so harmful? I haven't really read anything bad about it. I mean I heard CTX increases the risk for cancer and at another forum I heard Aza would increase the risk for breast cancer but haven't heard anything negative about MTX with the exception of feeling nauseous and increased liver values for some.

Hi Methotrexate is a serious drug to get off ASAP side effects are:
More common

Black, tarry stools
blood in urine or stools
bloody vomit
diarrhea
joint pain
reddening of skin
stomach pain
swelling of feet or lower legs

Less common

Blurred vision
confusion
convulsions (seizures)
cough
pinpoint red spots on skin
shortness of breath
unusual bleeding or bruising

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking methotrexate:
More common

Sores in mouth and on lips

Less common

Back pain
cough or hoarseness accompanied by fever or chills
dark urine
dizziness
drowsiness
fever or chills
headache
lower back or side pain accompanied by fever or chills
painful or difficult urination accompanied by fever or chills
unusual tiredness or weakness
yellow eyes or skin

[D.B.]

hi stephen. thorough post. feel its hard to discern if symptoms are from disease or drugs to fight disease, as so similar (like fatigue, dizziness). but the reality is that drs prescribe these drugs because benefits outweigh side effects.

[Dirty Don]

hi stephen. thorough post. feel its hard to discern if symptoms are from disease or drugs to fight disease, as so similar (like fatigue, dizziness). but the reality is that drs prescribe these drugs because benefits outweigh side effects.

Agreed. And, it's all about our numbers until they are consistently good...then this subject becomes more pertinent...until then...still striving for those numbers...LOL

[D.B.]

Agreed. And, it's all about our numbers until they
are consistently good...then this subject becomes more pertinent...until then...still striving for those numbers...LOL
lol yes lots of numbers. i have pANCA of 1600 no clue how long or fast it will come down.