Methrotrexate and arthritic psoriasis

Well, this is my fifth week on Methotrexate. I too like so many others were reluctant to take this drug due to reported horrendous side effects. I must be one of the lucky ones. So far so good. I did have some nausea along with loss of appetite but that was due to a vitamin deficiency. Must say I haven't seen a great improvement in my psoriasis but it's early days. So to others who are thinking twice, think again. Mazza.

Hi, I was on methetraxate when I was diagnosed. Absolutely amazing! The pain and swelling went after a few months of taking the drug for me. And my psoriasis completely went also! However I took my tablets on Sundays but after a few weeks I couldn't stand the smell or taste of a roast dinner physically made me sick. Then I stopped eating completely and lost so much weight (I'm already thin as it is). I went onto the injection sadly this also did not help with my nausea and eating. However this did not effect my immune system. I am a nurse so I'm in regular contact with infections and illnesses/bugs and I didn't catch anything or become Ill whilst on methetrexate. I'm now on lefronamide which is a different story....

Hi Becky0102, I am about to start leflunomide and would be very interested to hear what your experience of this drug is. As mentioned in my previous post on this thread, I suffered hair loss on MTX and am worried about the same in leflunomide?

I do still have hair loss with lefronamide. But a few weeks after I switched once the mtx went out my system my sickness vanished. I started eating properly again and stopped loosing weight. I'm glad I was switched over. Can't think of anything worse than mtx.

Just a quick update. After my dermatologist said no creams or lotions would cure or help my psoriasis in April and he thought I had psa I have been seen by a rheumatologist. Had x ray of chest and he wants start me on methotrexate end of June after he confirmed I have psa.

I’ve been on methotrexate for 10 years with no significant side effects. I’m on 20mg once per week gradually built up to the right dose over time. Nausea and headaches to begin with but taking folic acid everyday except the day if methotrexate sorts that. Keeps me reasonably clear of both arthritis and skin flare ups. Monitored by monthly blood tests as it can steer your liver. All ok so far. Adding in Vit D by the consultant about 5 years ago seemed to achieve the best results so I’m staying on it all for now and not rocking the boat. I don’t think I’ve had any extra infections/colds etc compared to anyone else. Seems to regulate my immune system rather than diminish it.

Hi there, just joined the forum so new to all of this. Not new to methotrexate however, been on it for 4 years (6 tabs per week). But I am just entering my fifth week off it. Following a fairly robust discussion between my liver specialist and dermatologist it was agreed that it was damaging my liver and must be stopped. The rebound flare up has been huge and as we sit is the worst it has ever been in 15 years, every where it has always been and now some it has never been before! The upside however is that I have just been approved for Biologics and if my bloods are ok then should begin within a week or 10 days.Fingers crossed!

Hi guys, thank you for all your comments, thought I would give an update to my progress. When I first posted the question asking about your experiences I was very nervous about taking methotrexate. I have been on it for 7 weeks, Just had my dosage increased to 5 pills a week. I do get the odd day where I feel a little sick but nothing other than that. Its early days however I have definitely seen a an improvement in my psoriasis and my arthritis, whilst Im still in pain is not at any stretch at the level when I started and my skin is improving. Am I convinced its the tablets or that I have had a complete overhaul of my life. I am exercising more by walking every evening and have totally changed my diet with the added bonus of loosing 16lb in 7 weeks. this would definitely have an affect. Last week I also started Benepali injections so am hoping these will also slow down the onset of anymore arthritis. still having regular blood tests and all good there. I am a great believer if you don't try how do you know so with my positive head on its all good so far. good luck to everyone. Nicki

Hi All, I have suffered with psoriasis for 20 years and it started with a patch alongside an operation scar on my back. I was involved in a motorcycle accident and had damage to my spine. After the major surgery, the psoriasis started and the docs seem to think that a traumatic episode was the cause. I have had all the different ointments and light treatment but it kept coming back. Then it crept into my joints and I was prescribed Sulpasalazine by a rheumatology consultant. On it for 3 months and then became ill. It had wiped out my white blood cells so was immediately stopped. I was then prescribed methotrexate. Was on that for 3 months and then suddenly found that I couldnt breathe properly. Was rushed into hospital and diagnosed with pneumonitis which is an inflammation of the lining of the lungs. I was in hospital for 2 weeks on oxygen , steroids and very high dose antibiotics. Needless to say, methotrexate was stopped, although while on it my psoriasis nearly disappeared. It has now flared up badly and it is now over most of my body, which I have never had. Sorry to scare you all but if you are put on these drugs, make sure your consultants regularly check your blood counts. Apparently methotrexate can cause pneumonitis but nobody told me that when they started it and they dam well knew about it. These drugs are toxic, only accept them if all else has failed. They now want to prescribe me Apremilast and to be honest I,m scared to take any drugs for this condition. Best of luck all.

Penorri: I obviously cannot comment directly on your experiences, but I do know several people on methotrexate in different parts of the UK. They were all warned about potential side effets and the need for regular blood tests - which they have all had. Some had to come off the treatment quite quickly, some did not. I am actually surprised to hear that anyone was not given the same warnings and follow-up.

Hello to you all, I'm new to the forum. I've had psoriasis for 20 years and have just been diagnosed with psa. I've just been prescribed 15mg of MTX plus folic acid 3 times a week which I started today so fingers crossed I have no side effects with it but will update with any changes and progress going forward which may be helpfull for people thinking of starting methotrexate. Good luck and best wishes to you all.