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Brooke
01-12-2010, 08:32 AM
How long before Methotrexate is supposed to start working?

Sangye
01-12-2010, 10:24 AM
I've been told that all the non-pred drugs take at least a month to fully kick in.

katwoman
01-12-2010, 10:28 AM
Hi Brooke, I've been on Methotrexate for six weeks, my joint pain eased up after 4-5 weeks on the medication, so I am hoping that is a good sign WG is getting under control.

How long have u been on the methotrexate? My Rheumy did say it could take up to 12 weeks for improvement to manifest itself.

I have another question to add - my Rheumy has just put me on a course of Penicillin for throat infection and the chemist seemed to be concerned about the interaction between that and Methotrexate and advised me to be careful of any side affects I may experience, has anyone else been on both?

elephant
01-12-2010, 10:33 AM
Penicillins may increase methotrexate level. Which can cause methotrexate toxicity. So call your doctor to let him/her know and get some labs done. Need to check your methotrexate and liver enzymes at least.

Brooke
01-12-2010, 02:30 PM
I have been on Methotrexate not quite 2 months. I am feeling a little better overall but not there yet.

jola57
01-12-2010, 03:25 PM
Brooke, have you taken cyclophosphamide before taking mtx

fester500
01-12-2010, 10:42 PM
I increased my methotrexate dose gradually - I started on 10mg a week and it took about 2 months to get up to 20mg. Once I got to 20mg, my doctor said it would take up to three months for me to see the effects. I'm not sure yet if it is working for me.

Brooke
01-13-2010, 01:42 AM
Jola, no I have not taken cyclophosphamide, what is that?
Fester, thanks. I started at 10 mg for one week, then 15 mg for one week, then 25 mg and that is what I am currently on.
I think I just get sicker quickly. People have been sick with sinus infections, and other things at my work and then I get it too. I was feeling really good last week and then I think I caught something. My son also goes to a large day care center so he brings stuff home.

elephant
01-13-2010, 02:29 AM
Brooke. cyclophosphamide is cytoxan which is a chemo drug to decrease your immune system. They usually use that first to treat WG. I did not start that treatment when I was diagnosed in 2008. They didn't want to start something toxic because of my kidney transplant. If you had lung nodules (many), coughing up blood, joint pain, and ect... they would treat you with cytoxan or ritux. I can't remember your first symptoms. Sorry.

Sangye
01-13-2010, 02:45 AM
Brooke, it's also possible that Wegs is causing the sinus problems, not repeated bugs. Wegs sinus symptoms can be identical to a sinus or upper respiratory infection. I don't have sinus involvement, but I'm sure the others on here can help you differentiate between Wegs and bugs.

Jack
01-13-2010, 02:56 AM
Crusting and blockage high up in the nasal passage together with daily nose bleeds and sinus pain were some of my first symptoms of Wegener's. The stupid ENT consultant treated me for infections for over a year and performed several unnecessary operations. :(

jola57
01-14-2010, 01:12 PM
Jack, me family doc also treated me for ear infection by giving me three runs of antibiotics, fortunately I flared up and the story started.

Doug
01-15-2010, 06:43 AM
yellowish-green mucus discharge- infection/ bloody streaks in mucous or all blood and crusties- wegs

That difference may not hold entirely (you can rupture vessels in your nose, for example, by blowing too forcefully or manual expression of clots -i.e. picking your nose for medical reasons- ha!),
but those differences generally hold true. Plus, you are more apt to have other wegs symptoms than just the sinus issues, Brooke. That was my experience at least.