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Thread: methotrexate

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    Default methotrexate

    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)

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    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
    Keep Smiling
    Michelle


    Live your life in a way that you wouldn't be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the town gossip - WILL ROGERS

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    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.

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    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.
    Smile, breathe and go slowly. Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful. Thich Nhat Hahn

    dxn 11/13

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    Quote Originally Posted by D.B. View Post
    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.
    Diagnosed 08/2013, Relapse 07/2014, Relapse 5/2017 (although early signs of it from 12/2016)

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    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.
    Anne, dx'ed April 2011

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    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.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Wegetarian View Post
    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.
    Smile, breathe and go slowly. Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful. Thich Nhat Hahn

    dxn 11/13

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    Quote Originally Posted by Wegetarian View Post
    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

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    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.
    Smile, breathe and go slowly. Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful. Thich Nhat Hahn

    dxn 11/13

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