Starting my first dose Friday. Asked the doctor what it was going to do to me. She says it is going to make me very tired and possibly sick. Said I would probably loose some of my hair. Anyone have experience with this chemo type drug? Ways to lessen the blow or things that help with side effects.
Anyone?
I do not have first hand experience with Methotrexate, but here are some sites that talk about it in some detail. My Rheumy wanted to put me on it a few months ago, but after reading all the side effects I opted to stick with the Plaquenil for now. I hope this helps and that you get some relief from your symptoms.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682019.html
This one gives some advice on how to lessen the side effects...
Thank you Natasha. 
I started on it 3 weeks ago (1 injection every 7 days) and so far, after my 3rd injection, so good. I have not had any bad side effects. I have a little nausea the day after and I bruise really easy now, but other than that, I think it's doing it's job. I've resisted taking it for about a year and a half because of what I read about it, but the plaquenil alone was not working for me and I've been taking that for 3 years. My concern about my hair loss went down as my pain level went up, but so far, my hair is in tact. I'm still in pain, but for the past couple of weeks, it's been more at 3/4/5, than 7/8/9 on a daily basis. I used the 3 numbers because it's never just one number in a day. I hope this helps.
Very much ty
You're most welcome. I think the doctors tell us these things because the truly could happen and I think that we all react different ways to different drugs. I was definitely on alert for all of the side effects, but they never came. I'll be praying for you.
Also Tarra, I found that ginger helps me with the nausea. I usually get a shot of it from Arden's Garden for $1. I can't drink it straight (too strong for me), but I add it to my water bottle or a little pineapple juice.
Tarra, how are you feeling after your first dose? I hope it all went well and your side effects were minimal if at all.
I was really tired and a bit sick to my stomach for a couple days but nothing too bad. I don’t notice any difference. Been told it takes a while.
I am glad it isn't too bad for you so far. I hope that it continues to be that way. I took my 4th injection this morning. I've started to feel a little less pain in the past week. However, I do still get jabs and stabs of pain here and there throughout the day and especially at night. I was told it would take about 3-6 weeks to feel the effects. Most times, I don't have much of an appetite (which to me, is a good thing). I still try to get something down though.
I’m on such a low dose I really don’t think it will do much. 3 2.5mg pills once a week.
Hi Tarra, thanks for keeping us updated. Often with medications it is good to start lower and go slowly. Ideally the goal usually is to achieve maximum results on the lowest possible dose. Also, for me with different medications, I have learned that starting at a low dose and going slowly generally helps minimize side effects. I wish you continued success with this and please update us periodically on how it is going. Hugs.