Starting Methotrexate

[islandgirl]

Hi There;

I am new to this group, but not new to CD! ;o}
I am wondering if anyone has experience with taking Methotrexate? I had surgery in 2007 and was in remission with no drugs until about 3 months ago. Now I am taking Entocort, but it doesn't seem to be working...
I have a colonoscopy on Friday, then my GI will tell me when I will start Methotrexate. I am very scared to take it because of all the side effects I am reading about. Any information would be great!!
Please Help!

 

[Entchen]

Hi, islandgirl -- A quick note to welcome you to the forum. I'm afraid I can't help with your question, though (am new to Crohn's). Take good care!

 

[Crohn's 35]

Welcome to the forum Islandgirl and fellow Canadian! I am on Methotrexate by injection and my second time trying in 6 years. You have to keep in mind that everyone is different in the diseased areas and medications. I am surprised the Gi hasnt tried Remicade or Humira, seems some people are great on them. I didn't but like I said everyone is different.

I am on 25mg injections for 16weeks (14th coming up ) then a 15mg taper after that. There are a few who take it by mouth but I would think it could exasperate the side effects. One thing I was told to take is 1mg of Folic acid daily to help curb the side effects. I have the shot on the fattiest part of my body...my butt, slow release makes it easier. The sides are varying with everyone but the common is nausea and headache. If you have a Shoppers drug mart or drugs store, get a new antinauseant made by Gravol, it is natural ginger pills and they really work. Take them before your shots. YOU may not feel it as much. How do I feel? Well lets just say I am waiting for the 16th shot if I make it and if I dont see any improvement I have to try something else. Good luck, let us know when you start and how much. Hang in there, glad you have decided to join us. Great bunch of people here to cheer you on!

 

[islandgirl]

Hi Kelly, thanks for the welcome. }

Hi Jettalady;

Thanks for your quick response!!
I am so sorry to hear the meds aren't working for you... :O(
I hope they start soon so you don't have to try something else.

I can't do Remicade or Humira because they are too closely related to the drugs that I had severe reactions to. My GI doesn't wan to take any chances with me. I had the reaction to Imuran and another one similar to it... {i can't remember the name though}.

Thank you for all your info and help, I don't feel so alone anymore.

 

[Crohn's 35]

Yeah I had a severe reaction to Remicade, and Humira didnt work so the Cimzia is out, probably wont work anyways says my Gi. I also cant tolerate Imuran, or the sister drug 6mp. My body fights everything! Too bad it can repel Crohns ;(. WE do know how you feel and please help out others with your experiences, we can all learn from each other!

 

[Aura]

Hi Island Girl

I start my Methotrexate treatment next week. I have started a thread in the treatment section to see how I go with it. I have chrons causing problems in my larynx, small bowel and rectum at the moment with a few inflammatory issues with my SI joints. That is why my GI and I decided to try this treatment.

Good luck for you and your treatment

 

[peakey 1553]

Hello islandgirl,
I am on 8 tablets 2.5 each tablet of methotrexate because I have crohn's. I have just had a colonoscopy,I have a fistula and problems with alot of pain in my joints but can't find out what is wrong with them,so thats why I have methotrexate,also pentasa,I sometimes feel nausia but not too bad it goes off if I eat, I feel tired most of the time,but as for side effects there not too bad. when you say you have crohns in your larynx how does that affect you, as I keep loosing my voice but don't get a sore throat my GP said he could see some ulcers and I have to take protium for stomach to control vomiting ,would you reply to this for me.
thanks

 

[Jennjenn]

I got prescribed methotrexate last week. I went home and read all the side effects and about the med and called him back and told him the reasons why i was not comfortable taking it. I have a lot of symptoms, some include, diareah, fatigue, bad abdominal pain due to adhesions from past surgeries and a small ulcer near the old surgery sites, joint pain and more....and i told him one of the reasons i was not comfortable taking it was the effect it can possibly have on the liver. My bilirubin counts on bloodwork are usually elevated and it just didnt look safe for me for that reason and a few others. I see another specialist on thursday because my doctor said he needed help because of my tough situation and another opinion would be good. We will see hopefully i will get prescribed something else that will work for me along with the Remicade I am on!