Hello mypugglesx2
Prednisone usually is prescribed for acute pain and inflammation. It's a drug you love and hate at the same time. I have been on it for about 8 wks. I was in so much pain when I went to the Rheumy I was glad to take it. Now I want to get off it.

If you can manage the pain without it then don't take it. The methotrexate will take some time to start working. I have been on Methotrexate for about 6 wks. I still have to be on 15 mg of prednisone. I am going to try and cut back to 10 mg again. I have gain almost 10lbs since I been on it.

Methotrexate has it choice of side effects that I don't like. It seems we will have to take some kind of medicine that has undesired effects. I know some people do really well on the RA drugs and some don't. Take care. Hugs

I am not on prednisone daily as one of my maintenance meds. It is prescribed for me when I'm having severe pain, redness, and swelling of joints. But some people have to take small doses of Pred. on regular basis to keep the RA in check.
I take Mtx. on a regular basis along with the other maintenance meds.

Linda

I would start with the Mehx, and see if it works. But if the flares are bad, short term prednisone may get you through. Just don't stay on it in combo with mthx for years and years, like I did. If the mthx isn't enough, push for a biologic. Then, if you are lucky, you won't need to take prednisone again. I didn't for 5 years, until the DMARDS failed.

You do not HAVE to take Pred with MTX. But I think a lot of Dr's like to use them together. I've been on both for 14, not because I want to, but because my body goes crazy without it. I'd really be wise to talk to you dr though if you're not comfortable with a med. Maybe it's one you could take when you're flaring?

I have been on MTX for 3 years and take a 6-day tapered pack of methylprednisolone (a steroid that I think is the same as prednisone?) only when I am having a severe flare. I keep a pack on hand and use it only when I absolutely have to. Thankfully, I have not needed it in the 13 months that I have been using Enbrel along with the MTX. So, to answer your question, no, you don't HAVE to take MTX and prednisone together. Talk to your doctor about why he thinks you should take both. Tell him all your concerns and ask questions. I hope you get your med "cocktail" worked out quickly and feel better really soon. Hugs, Lois

I went to get my sxripts and asked the pharmacist about taking the pred. He assured me it was for the pain only and no I did not have to take it. I should have been more careful in asking my new RA dr. but I was overwhelmed at the time. So I started my 4 pills of MTX at dinner tonight, actually I am going to split the dose in a 24 hr period and take the other 2 tomorrow. I have to take 4 this month, then 6 then 8. Hoping and praying it all works out. Thanks for all your comments. I look forward to them:)
Laura

This combo, for the short time I was on it- annihilated me. Hope it works for you though. And Prednisone, I had to take it to get through a 4 week dance program, it made my reproductive system hurt. i couldn't wait to stop taking it. I'd only use it in an emergency.

MTX can take time to kick in and you may find you need Prednisone in the short term for the swelling and pain.
I hope your Rheumy also prescribed Folic Acid to take the day AFTER MTX and more frequent blood tests for the first few weeks to make sure it isn't affecting your liver.
I hope yourRA will respond to meds quickly and you get some relief.
Hugs

In my case, I also have asthma, congestive heart failure and renal insufficiency. My lung doctor told me NOT to take the MTX as it will kill my immune system and ultimately could kill me. Both of these drugs can be bad. Yes, we sometimes need them. But I was told to start the MTX as a last resort.

Lynnedz56, RA's crippling effects can be limited by hitting it hard right away. ALL drugs that fight this terrible disease reduce our immune system - it's our over-active immune system that is destroying our joints. MTX is the first drug to try because it's cheap and for some people it can be very effective. Insurance co's usually require that you try it first before approving newer, expensive Biologics. Those are two good reasons to try MTX and get your disease under control.

I know the side-effects are scary but the effects of RA are much scarier in my opinion.

I'm on mtx and Enbrel and it seems to be working well for me right now. I really don't like the pred. either but it does help

Initially I was on prednisone. My onset was so severe that until they upped my dosage to 40 mgs a day I was totally disabled. It flipped the switch for me and got me right again. Then it was a long slow taper that took about 1 1/2 to get off that dose.

I am glad I am off. I hope I don't ever have to take it again because I don't care for the nuisance side effects I got from it. (Thankfully I did not get anything health threatening). However I think there can be a time and place for prednisone.

I wish you all the best in getting your symptoms under control.

Don is exactly right. Research says hit it hard and the sooner the better, you may taper off later. Fewer people are crippled these days. Talk with your rheumy when you have questions, don't start or stop anything on your own without his knowledge. That's what you pay him for.
I take 8 MTX weekly and 5 mg prednisosne daily. Started with 10, then 7.5, 5, and tried 2.5, but ESR shot up, so sticking with 5 for a couple of years now.