Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Hi Zeyda, I know that my script says it could cause stomach issues, but I haven't had any so far. I make sure that I have eaten before I take it and I drink a full glas of water with it. I hope it eases up soon for you.

I get the stomach pain, yes Zeyda. Mine feels as if someone has kicked me right below my rib cage, dead center (sort of where the ribs part) - at the same time it is a tightness - laughing, almost feels as though I have great abs, but only right there (and only short term!). This pain sometimes makes me think "there is no way I can eat right now" but I find it sometimes feels better if I do et something.

I do get nausea, too - I try to sleep through most of that, I never find it bad enough to take the anti nausea meds the Dr. gave me (besides, those can cause drowsiness and I'm sleepy enough after my MTX!).

Hope this helps - are you still feeling better otherwise?

- Tort

Yes tort, it's right below my rib cage...dull pain. I've had it before when I've taken too much aspirin medication for pain...so much that I had to stop from this feeling in my stomach.

I get mine nearly every week but haven't quite found the answer to the "why I don't get it sometimes" question. I do take zantac when it turns from the pain to the acid feeling.

Hope it feels better soon!

Enjoy the 4th

Tort

Zeyda -
Yes, I still have stomach issues with MTX even though I've been taking it for 3.5 years. Lately, the side effects have been nausea (I describe it as being hit with a sledgehammer) and the stomach pain you describe.

Feel better.

- Jo-Elle

Yep, feel like crap when I take it. I am now feeling that way most of the time, the stomach aspect anyways. Nausea, cramps,just blah, period. Some say it doesn't bother them and others like us dont like it one bit. The day after I first took it, after seriously considering the consciences, I said that this is where the term " If it doesn't kill you it will cure you" comes from, MTX.

Zeyda,

I am so with you on the MTX stomach pain you describe. I experienced that and the nausea and actually vomited till they decreased the amount. Here at Mayo they start you out at max and work you down to a withstandable level hoping max is it!

Even injecting it I still had nausea and then when they increased my folic acid at times my stomach and intestines felt like silly putty that was being stretched and restretch by some obnoxious little kid.

Hope it gets better for you soon!

I did at first then I discovered (after doing injections for a few months and then going back onto pills) that if I drink LOTS of water before, eat a big meal and then drink LOTS of water again after, no stomach upset. Hydrate - I think that is key (plus with food). Or .. opt for injections. Good luck!

I have been on mtx for 6 weeks now and have not had the problem you describe. The RD also just upped my dose to 6 pills, which I will start on Tueday. I do make myself a large Brfast. 3 eggwhite Omlette, Toast, Oj and coffee. I take my Folic Acid and other Vitamins and when I finished eating I take the mtx. Hope you feel better soon.

I have taken MTX injections for 9 years. Initially, I had the nausea as well as headaches on shot days. Those side effects passed completely after being on the MTX for awhile. Be patient my friend, those feelings should go away in time.If not call your doctor and discuss it, as they may be able to give you something to counteract the side effects.