Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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stacey92 05/27/2014

So I've been on and off a lot of medicine especially prednisone and methotrexate to know how to take them appropriately. I've been off of methotrexate for about 4yrs because I felt like Enbrel was enough. I've been flaring so much over the past year that I don't think Enbrel is enough anymore

I'm starting to wonder if taking Methotrexate again would be beneficial. I have a prescription of them left over and I'm tempted to start them again without going to see my doctor first. (I just moved to NC and my rheumy is in PA) I could call and get her opinion but I don't see much harm in just giving them another try.

What do y'all think?

cindyleb 05/27/2014

Are the pills 4 years old? Sometimes med are not as effective when they are old... don't know if mtx expires or not. Maybe the pharmacist could answer that question

But also, you need your blood work done to keep an eye out on your liver with mtx, so I wouldn't do it without contacting your doctor first.
I am sure there are many more reasons not to do it without your doctors consent, but that is all I could think of.

I have heard that Enbrel does work better sometimes when used with mtx, so maybe you do need that combination.

Good luck
Cindy

stacey92 05/27/2014

I don't believe they are that old. Ill have to check the bottle and expiration date and I get blood tested every 3 months which includes my liver levels even though my doctor knows I'm not currently taking methotrexate.

I know contacting my doctor is probably the smart thing to do but sometimes getting in touch with my rheumy is such a hassle that I like to be my own doctor haha (not in a harmful or dumb way, I know these meds and dosages like the back of my hand)

Thanks! :)

Thewino 05/28/2014

Stacey,

Since you asked: I don't think it's a great idea to just start taking some leftover MTX that you still have laying around. Especially if it is 3-4 years old. It probably still work, but is probably not as effective so you may not know the exact dose you are taking.

A bigger issue would be if your Rheumy found out. Maybe your labs will come back with high LFT's. Then, you wouldn't have a choice but to tell your Rheumy about your decision. At this point, the level of trust in your relationship with your Rheumy could possibly be harmed.

It wouldn't be worth it to me for this very reason.

Be well,
TheWino

depotblue 05/28/2014

hey Stacey

i agree with wino.

I currently am healing high liver enzymes. No way no how should you take methotrexate unless your blood is being drawn and analyzed per mtx protocol. Even if your old rheumie could send orders into a lab that you could use locally. just don't treat without the protocol being in place to have your blood analyzed as it should be.

yeah, i get it. the docs were always on me about the "synergistic" effect of the biologic plus the MTX. i did both together but MTX did not suit my lungs well nor my thought processes at work.

How long will the process be for you to get a settled RA in your new digs - wicked slow process?

Depot

deleted_user 05/28/2014

If there is any question about it at all I would avoid taking it. Why risk creating another problem. My guts tell me that the worst that could happen is that it just wouldn't work anymore.....but did I mention how many times my guts have been wrong?? And if you want to know whether or NOT MT will help you probably want to start with NEW meds so that you can be sure one way or the other.

Just sayin!

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