How long did it take...

[bmcreppel]

your p to go away after treatment with MTX? It seems to be helping with the pain, but not the 100 sores I have.

Barb

[Ihurt]

Are u on the right dosage? Do you take the pills instead of the shot?


I take the shot, and Im also on Humira, but Absent the Humira....the MXT alone takes care of my P. Takes about a week or so, but then again I don't have a really really bad problem with it.

Right now have some on my face and feet. My right elbow is the worse with the first case of Plaque I have ever had there, but MXT the other day is clearing it.

I take the shot before bed once a week so I suffer the nausea in my sleep. It doesn't cost very much if you have to buy it out of pocket (8.10 two vials). I get it from a company called IVP care online.

You might want to talk to you doc if it's not helping. Maybe your dosage is not right, maybe you need the injecatable.

I hope you feel better really soon. PM me if you have more questions.

Elaine

[dragonfly50]

I have had p since I was a kid, my pa was not dx until 2 months ago, though I think first onset was about 7 years ago.

I currently take MTX (20 mg/week pills) as well as high dose prednisone and folic acid to get my flare under control. I have found that the p has gotten better but has not yet gone away.

hope you feel better soon

[bmcreppel]

I was on the injections, but have been so miserable I'm not sure I can continue. I notice that my p didn't plaque so much on the medicine or itch as bad. It also helped with the pain some, but my hair is falling out, I'm tired 24/7 and am just plain depressed. I don't know what I want to do now.

Please pray for me. I'll do the same for you.

[Ihurt]

Are u taking Folic Acid 24 hrs later after the MXT? THIS IS CRITICAL.

Hair loss is a side effect but DOES NOT LAST. I HAVE ALSO HAD IT, BUT IT GROWS BACK AND and after a while the MXT does not affect your hair anymore.

What about steroids? Are u on them? Has the doc suggested them short term? Sounds like you are in a flare. I would call your doc.

[Malibu 2]

I am taking Folic Acid everyday (1 mg) and I'm taking the MXT 10mg a week (pills) and gradually going to 25 mg (max). This is only week #3 going on #4 for me.

I have not noticed anything and I guess I don't expect anything with such a small dose.

I haven't had any nausea from the MXT so,,,,so far so good.

IHURT - you said you take the Folic Acid 24 hours later, what is the dose and why don't you have to take it daily?

Do most people stay on the MXT while taking biologics?

[kmbeck1]

I just started MTX two weeks ago, in pill form, 5 mg Thursday night, 5mg Friday morning and 5 mg Friday night. Every day I take folic acid, not just once a week. I have not yet seen any improvement on my P or my PA, but doctor said it would take 5 weeks. But you must take folic acid everyday.

[RichJ]

hi kmberk1,
welcome to the p family. you have met some of the wonderful people on here and will find alot of great info. welcome and nice to meet you.

have a good day all

richard

[princesstwinsmom]

I started on oral MTX in March, building up to my current dosage of 20mg/wk. If I'm remembering correctly, all my psoriasis areas were gone within a month. It's been like a miracle for me as my areas were HUGE and extremely painful. The pain from my PA, however, really didn't response all that well to MTX, so I started Enbrel in September and am now experiencing a relatively pain-free existence. Still struggling with fatigue, though. Ah well...two out of three ain't bad, right?

[Kimpat]

I started on oral MTX in March, building up to my current dosage of 20mg/wk. If I'm remembering correctly, all my psoriasis areas were gone within a month. It's been like a miracle for me as my areas were HUGE and extremely painful. The pain from my PA, however, really didn't response all that well to MTX, so I started Enbrel in September and am now experiencing a relatively pain-free existence. Still struggling with fatigue, though. Ah well...two out of three ain't bad, right?That is so great.That's exactly what I'm hoping for.Did the mtx make you sick at all?

[Mummy]

I started MTX in May and switched to injectable after about 6 doses. I got mild nausea in the beginning but had diarrhea a lot. Injectable resolved that.

I am lucky my P wasn't too bad but it cleared up about 80%. I use Ultravate 1-2 x per week and just put a good lotion on it the other days. Really very much improved. My finger swelling greatly improved but is returning. I think I need an increase in dose. (7.5mg/week) but we have had to keep it the same due to my elevated liver enzymes. They have leveled off and hopefully next month when I see her we can increase a bit.

I would suggest you give it a little more time. Do take your folic acid daily. It really helped. What do you use on your P? Have you changed anything? I still have the light raised areas but the itching and crusting is gone. I do still have patches of that smaller than a dime on both elbows and one knee. So long as I use the Ultravate a couple times a week on it they are almost all gone. I used to use the Ultravate daily and the patches were still there just less crusty.

Improvement is sometimes measured in lack of worsening. KWIM? Give it time and I will bet you will have some improvements.

[Ihurt]

I am taking Folic Acid everyday (1 mg) and I'm taking the MXT 10mg a week (pills) and gradually going to 25 mg (max). This is only week #3 going on #4 for me.

I have not noticed anything and I guess I don't expect anything with such a small dose.

I haven't had any nausea from the MXT so,,,,so far so good.

IHURT - you said you take the Folic Acid 24 hours later, what is the dose and why don't you have to take it daily?

Do most people stay on the MXT while taking biologics?

Folic acid is extremely important after MXT-so is calcium. MXT is a chemotherapy drug and robs the body of these important elements. My doc rx's LEUCOVOURIN which is a mixture of both. He gives me the one 10mg tab that I take 18-24 hours after my injection. I only have to take it once weekly because it's a special combination which is more specifically used at this dosage for people who are on injectables. EVERYONE taking MXT should be taking folic acid and calcium after mxt. VERY VERY IMPORTANT to do this.

MANY people are on a bio with mxt. Doctors use it as a sort of "cocktail" to get the inflammation under control. It's the inflammation we are after! The inflammation is the reason for pain,swelling and fatigue. There's alot of inflammation going on in our bodies...most of it we cannot see. Inflammation can tire you out!

[Ihurt]

I started on oral MTX in March, building up to my current dosage of 20mg/wk. If I'm remembering correctly, all my psoriasis areas were gone within a month. It's been like a miracle for me as my areas were HUGE and extremely painful. The pain from my PA, however, really didn't response all that well to MTX, so I started Enbrel in September and am now experiencing a relatively pain-free existence. Still struggling with fatigue, though. Ah well...two out of three ain't bad, right?


Im very happy for you! Your right, two out of three aint bad!

The fatigue will clear as well in time. The fatigue is coming from inflammation on the inside that you cannot see. I too am on 20mg daily and it is helping (I was recently switched to this dose). The P on my elbows is almost completely gone and my pain level is down but that could also be attributed to a medrol dose pakand my pain meds. WHATEVER it is, I am grateful!!!!!

Again Im so happy for you Princess......(love the name by the way, and I am assuming they are both beautiful)!

Elaine

[bmcreppel]

It's strange how the MTX injection got rid of most of the pain, but hasn't cleared up the sores. I'm beginning to wonder if I don't have complications from my Crohn's disease. I quit taking the MTX. I don't like my hair falling out in clumps and the thing that gets me is my derm didn't tell me about the side effects or that I needed blood work or folic acid. It's scary that she didn't worry about the things you guys are telling me about.

[banditkat]

I am rather stuned that your Dr. didnt go over side effects of the meds. My rumey went over everything with me when we started on Humira. We talked about MTX but I have high liver enzymes so it wasnt an option but he even went over the side effects of mtx even though he wouldnt be prescribing this for me.

I noticed you said your derm, do you see a rumey? My derm sent me to a rumey as he said that rumeys are better for treating PA.

[bmcreppel]

I will have insurance starting January 1st, so I will be able to go to my rheumy then. I am stunned too since everyone always said to make sure you got your blood work done.

Barb

[princesstwinsmom]

Kimpat - the MTX didn't make me sick at all, thank goodness! I took it for a week or two before starting folic acid and that was because I developed some mouth sores. They went away quickly with the addition of folic acid.

Ihurt - thanks for the encouragement about the fatigue. It can be pretty defeating at times when I'm trying to work full-time and keep up with two high-energy six-year-old girls! And thanks for the compliment on my screen name. If I do say so myself, they really are beautiful!

[Malibu 2]

I've been on Mxt and Folic Acid for 4 weeks now and don't see much of a difference in either the P or PA. I have been taking Alieve (Naproxin) now for the pain and I am shocked how well it works, the Motrin wasn't doing anything. I'm not having any nausea from the pills (only 10 mg a week and increasing to 25 slowly) but I have noticed constipation and I have never had that problem before.

Has this happend to anyone from the Mxt?

[Re]

I've been on Mxt and Folic Acid for 4 weeks now and don't see much of a difference in either the P or PA. I have been taking Alieve (Naproxin) now for the pain and I am shocked how well it works, the Motrin wasn't doing anything. I'm not having any nausea from the pills (only 10 mg a week and increasing to 25 slowly) but I have noticed constipation and I have never had that problem before.

Has this happend to anyone from the Mxt?

I have just the opposite with bathroom issues, so I need more bathroom tissues. How about that I rhymed. Go figure.I have been on mxt 25 mg once a week for 1 1/2 years with no improvement but I take folic acid daily 2000mcg daily and sulfasalazine 2000 mg daily and back on prednisone. Only had three Humira shots so still too early to tell. You need more fiber. If you like I will send or post a copy of a blueberry breakfast drink from Dr Oz. It is soooo good and it help with both issues keeps not so regular, regular and too regular, regular. Gotta go I am feeling that funky overwhelming fatigue.
Re

[Malibu 2]

I have just the opposite with bathroom issues, so I need more bathroom tissues. How about that I rhymed. Go figure.I have been on mxt 25 mg once a week for 1 1/2 years with no improvement but I take folic acid daily 2000mcg daily and sulfasalazine 2000 mg daily and back on prednisone. Only had three Humira shots so still too early to tell. You need more fiber. If you like I will send or post a copy of a blueberry breakfast drink from Dr Oz. It is soooo good and it help with both issues keeps not so regular, regular and too regular, regular. Gotta go I am feeling that funky overwhelming fatigue.
Re
Thanks Re for the insight and the tip on the fiber.

I did change my entire eating habits and have been on Jenny Craig since I started on the Mxt. I have been pretty faithful on this program and I think I might have over done it with the salads. I've cut back and that seems to help a bit.

Had my first series of blood tests today to check on the ol' liver. I see my Rheumy next week and hopefully he will increase my Mxt and that will help with the P & the PA.

Have a wonderful day!
Malibu

[deevee]

sorry for being a blow in... but is it bad to take too much folic acid?
as in taking 2 tabs in a day instead of 1... i accidentally have been for the past 3 days... just started taking mxt 4 days ago...

shouldnt be anything wrong right? esp early in the process...

[Re]

deevee how much mtx do you take and what microgram or mg of folic acid are you taking? I did that to once for about a week but you guessed I am still here aggravating everyone else on this board. I enjoy it.
Re

malibu, I take benefiber, it is just different, can't tell ya why but all those salads, man I know, cause I felt green and not in an enviro friendly manner either. Are you flushing your self with lots of water? (no pun intended) My MIL has that problem and I got her SAM's club (you know walmart's dad) some apple juice with extra fiber in it (says so on bottle) and well.... It works and thank God cause the woman don't drink water. Just my two cents
Re

[deevee]

20mg of mxt once a week... n the dosage of folic acid... i dont know atm... cant really recall... at work atm.
it had a 1 in it i think.. so 10... 100... 1000 mg? not sure...
actully ive only done it for 2 days.. the double dosage of folica acid.., and ive had my daily dose of folic acid today so im on my normal recommended dosage... now...
man i feel stupid...
i should be ok... i just dont know much about the side effects of folic acid..

[Malibu 2]

deevee how much mtx do you take and what microgram or mg of folic acid are you taking? I did that to once for about a week but you guessed I am still here aggravating everyone else on this board. I enjoy it.
Re

malibu, I take benefiber, it is just different, can't tell ya why but all those salads, man I know, cause I felt green and not in an enviro friendly manner either. Are you flushing your self with lots of water? (no pun intended) My MIL has that problem and I got her SAM's club (you know walmart's dad) some apple juice with extra fiber in it (says so on bottle) and well.... It works and thank God cause the woman don't drink water. Just my two cents
Re

Oh RE you CRACKED me up!!!! I needed that laugh.

I drink TONS of water. I did talk to my JC rep and they told me that I'm not eating the proper fiber. I eat a lot of applesauce BUT not actual apples which the skins have most of the fiber. Also I eat salads almost daily but not the spinach salads which are high in fiber. I've also added some prunes so hopefully this combo will help,,,,,,,,, and not hurt the enviornment (hehe)

My rep told me that for every 10 lbs we lose it's 20 lbs of pressure off our knees. Food for thought!

[tmartha]

It's strange how the MTX injection got rid of most of the pain, but hasn't cleared up the sores. I'm beginning to wonder if I don't have complications from my Crohn's disease. I quit taking the MTX. I don't like my hair falling out in clumps and the thing that gets me is my derm didn't tell me about the side effects or that I needed blood work or folic acid. It's scary that she didn't worry about the things you guys are telling me about.

I see this is an older post but I'm flabbergasted your doc didn't tell you about the MTX side effects or esp. the blood work or folic acid, either. !!! The folic acid is all about minimizing the side effects. MTX can be good for PA (has been for me) but this doc doesn't seem to understand it at all, and that's just plain dangerous, in my opinion.

The fatigue/malaise from MTX can be so debilitating, and it was for me when I started it. I had to go down to a lower dosage, which helped a lot, and after being on it for a time, I stopped having the fatigue. At first, though, every week there was a day or two where I was just shot, and knew not to ever plan anything much for that day. (or try not to) I also started losing my hair after a few months, but a few months later it stabilized.

I'm glad you'll be able to see a rheumy in Jan. You've had a tough road. But it sounds like you haven't had the best medical advice, and once you get somebody who is worth their salt it'll make a world of difference. Which means better times have got to be in your future!

I'll be looking for your more recent posts and hoping you're doing ok.

Tani

[jad030]

Deevee,

the good news is that folic acid is a vitamin, so if you double up for a few days, it shouldnt hurt you. It would be like taking 2 multivitamins instead of one. Your body will only absorb what it can and then you will pass the excess out through urine.

I would not double up permanently without checking with your dr. though. The doseage of folic acid is very important because too much will cause the MTX to not do its job, and then you are just damaging your liver for nothing.

Julie

[choralg]

i started on MTX weekly injections starting at smaller doses up to full dosages over the last 8 weeks and the P on my trunk my back and both my legs started disappearing almost immediately. My husband could not believe how fast it started disappearing. My PA in my foot is a bit better my dr says it will take a bit longer. One thing tho being on this dose i am so tired i am like others here after the injection i have to plan my days around how i feel. lately it has been going on more than 2 days just today and yesterday i started feeling like doing anything at all...i had to resign my job and i am so thankful now i was able to as i woudl not have been able to continue...so my heart goes out to you who still work and have younger children to take care of my at goes off to you.....

[deevee]

thanks for all the info guys...
i sorta knew take more folic acid wasnt that bad... and i only did it for 3 days... just taking 1 now...
the MTX is some what working for my PA. the swelling on my knees is at minimal... but ill still buckle if i tried to do anything on it...
going to see my rheumy for the first time today actually... i dont really know what to expect from that visit...

i cant wait to get drugged up again with MTX on the weekend... haha jk

[bmcreppel]

I can relate. I feel like I need to be drugged up. I took 1/2 of a darvocet and it laughed at me!!! : (

[bmcreppel]

Hey Guys,

I had a very bad weekend. The icthing and burning was so bad and it was the 2nd anniversary of my Mom's death, so I was depressed and miserable. I called my GP to see if he would change my antidepressants, but of course, I have to go in and give him his money first. Then, I called my derm and told her why I hadn't been in and how the MTX made my hair fall out and really fatigued and she told me that she had never heard of anyone's hair falling out from 1/100th of the dose that was given to cancer patients. I told her she could ask my husband and hairdresser about it and ask my husband how I haven't been able to get out of the bed. She then told me I needed to go to her boss because he knew more about MTX. So, I was correct in that even though she is a nice lady, she admitted she wasn't familiar with MTX. Scary!!! Just thought I would share about that.

Happy Holidays!!! Barb