What's the point of methotrexate when given with Remicade?

[elihogan]

Is it for treatment of the disease or to stop antibody formation? I've heard both sides. I was told it was to stop antibodies forming so the Remicade would work better longer, but literally no one else at my infusion center has said they're on methotrexate too. I'm very confused. Dosage is 1 mg per week, I tried to self taper a while back, very bad idea:rof:

 

[FrozenGirl]

It is to prevent antibodies and to help the Remicade with your treatment, so both. Other people might be on Imuran or 6mp instead or some people can do only Remicade.

 

[Clash]

Both, there was a study that showed mtx gave a synergistic effect to remicade and studies have shown that mtx helps with antibody formation. But you GI may have specific reasons as well so it would be a good question for him

My son is on both humira and mtx. He was on remicade and mtx. The mtx also helps to treat his other condition, JSpA, as does the biologic. He is 18, well close to 19 now.

 

[elihogan]

Thanks to both of y'all! I just really don't like needles and I've heard bad things from friends with CD about reactions to the oral mtx.

 

[Clash]

My son takes the humira shot and it is really painful for a few seconds but he doesn't even notice the mtx shots he gives himself each week. He took the oral mtx with no side effects before switching to the injection form of mtx.

If you are concerned with the pain of the mtx shot you could ask for emla cream to apply before the shot it will numb the area.

 

[elihogan]

It's not the pain, I just have this crazy phobia. If I do the mtx shot right it doesn't hurt in the slightest, I just don't even like to be around needles. Out of curiosity, why did he switch to the injection instead of the oral?

 

[24601]

I take oral mtx (with humira) and have never had any side effects so have never needed to switch to injections. I was concerned about starting mtx as I'd had bad reactions to azathioprine and 6mp but I haven't had any problems :thumright:

 

[Clash]

elihogan, his GI had him on oral mtx for CD and his rheumatologist switched him to the injection for his Juvenile Spondyloaryhropathy(JSpA).

The GI was fine with this since those with inflammation where my son's was suffering from malabsorption.