Hi,
New to forums but long term sufferer of psoriasis. Had a range of lotions and potions over the years, had light therapy earlier this year which was great but once treatment stopped I was covered again. So, I start methotrexate tomorrow. Excited at the possibility of it working but a bit nervous about the side effects. Has anyone got any advice or experience with this medication?
Thanks.
Posted Tue 22 Aug 2023 16.19 by Steview A P sufferer for over 30 years, through good and bad times.
Fromm experience take it at bedtime to sleep off any nausea, Drink plenty of fluids before hand to avoid dehydration (not alcohol) and just rest up if you feel groggy. Good luck.
Posted Tue 22 Aug 2023 21.09 by Jo84
That’s good advice thank you. I will do that.
Posted Mon 28 Aug 2023 11.44 by Noel M (edited Mon 28 Aug 2023 11.45 by Noel M)
I've been using it for about 18 months after acitretin stopped working and I had a severe flare up. Whilst it works, it isn't perfect and I still have a level of lesions, just not as much and not as severe, so I still top up with Enstilar spray every couple of days. This routine keeps things under control, mostly.
On the whole, in my opinion it is an 8/10 solution, so don't expect perfection. In terms of side effects, I also take in the evening to ensure any nauseous effects are worn off by sleeping. The main issue I find is a bit of 'digestive turbulence' every so often, not severe and not long lasting, but noticeable! I also find that this happens more whenever the pharmacy changes the brand of methotrexate, which they can do obviously without warning, depending on available stock.
All the best
Posted Mon 28 Aug 2023 14.44 by Jo84
Thank you for replying, First few days seem ok, bit of nausea but that could just be something else. I have only taken 3 for the first dose and will take 6 this week and onwards. I really hope I see a difference, sorry to hear you haven't got the results you wanted though. Have you suffered any hair loss since taking them?
Thanks again for telling me a bit about your experience
Posted Tue 29 Aug 2023 13.36 by Noel M
No noticeable hair loss to report......
Apart from the disruption to the insides, the only other point I'd mention is that because I'm not finding it perfect in terms of controlling lesions, I tend to use a bit more Enstilar than I expected to - every other day, or 3-4 times per week instead of 2-3. It does get the GP surgery thinking I'm deliberately stockpiling the stuff, but hey ho...... I'm not exactly running a black market in it.
I expect I will discuss with my consultant if I ever get another appointment - haven't had one for nearly 18 months now - which might give cause to consider a move to biologicals as by then, two systemic treatments will have been tried - which I understand is the guideline on when they will consider biological treatments.
Posted Sat 2 Sep 2023 15.49 by Yacht
Methotrexate is chemotherapy. It is popular with UK doctors because it is cheap (pennies). But its effectiveness for psoriasis (in medical studies) is low. While its impact on the body, such as the liver or lungs, is harsh. MTX (for psoriasis) is a low-effect, high-risk medication. For me, I stay well clear of it. The cost-benefit ratio does not stack up.
Posted Tue 5 Sep 2023 11.16 by lizziep
Hi - although it helped with my psoriasis it affected my liver - this showed up in th test results after 1 month and had to come off it - the Doctors woudlnt believe I wasn't a heavy drinker!
Posted Tue 5 Sep 2023 11.19 by Jo84
Thank you for all the replies its all been very helpful. I have been feeling really tired and my mood has been quite low too. Hopefully just all temporary side effects and the benefits will outweigh them.
Posted Fri 10 Nov 2023 19.53 by SheilaM
It has also been suggested for me by dermatologists that I haven’t seen, gp sent me information and I don’t think I’ll bother as I am already a diabetic with a fatty liver, don’t think I need any more problems. See see how psoriasis goes as I haven’t had an attack for a few years last time was with palmer and plantar psoriasis, but have had since I was a child. Any advice would be gratefully received, does anyone still use coal tar preparations
Posted Mon 13 Nov 2023 19.21 by Sharon
Hi,
I'm new to the forum and would really appreciate any help with my problem, before I take the strong medications like methotrexate or similar.
I have psoriasis on my body but the worst bit for me is that I have nail psoriasis and it's getting worse.
Has methotrexate worked for anyone with nail psoriasis particularly or have they found another drug more useful in getting rid of it.
Posted Tue 22 Aug 2023 10.13 by Jo84
Posted Mon 28 Aug 2023 11.44 by Noel M (edited Mon 28 Aug 2023 11.45 by Noel M)