Methotrexate

Hi Billy I started Methotrexate yesterday, and like you - would really value hearing other people's experiences. Hope it works for you!

I am also keen to hear people's experience of Methotrexate as I've had the 'work up' done for it (arranged by the community dermatologist) and waiting for my appointment with the hospital dermatologist in January before I start. Is this the first line of tablets they prescribe? Rachel, what is your experience so far?

I've been prescribed it too but nervous about side effects especially as I have Alpha-1 anti-tripsine deficiency. I've had the pre blood work done and a chest xray. Think ive had this condition years but it's only just been diagnosed. I'd love to hear everyone's experience of it.

I have been using methotrexate now for 3 years. I suffered from psoriasis around my ears, on my legs, knees and elbows and under my toe and fingernails. As I suffer from arthritis my consultant was concerned that I had developed psoriatic arthritis as well as rheumatoid arthritis. She prescribed methotrexate as she believed it would alleviate my arthritis symptoms as well as possibly helping my psoriasis outbreaks. I started on tablets and after a year was persuaded to switch to injections, self administered weekly, the results were cathartic. I occasionally suffer a psoriatic outbreak on the back of one leg, which I use enstillar to treat if needed. My nails are now clear as are all the other patches that I suffered from. Not bad considering that treating the psoriasis was a bonus to alleviating the arthritis symptoms. I haven’t suffered any adverse effects from the use of methotrexate but am susceptible to coughs and colds. I manage this by being extremely cautious around crowds, especially during flu season.

Methotrexate worked really well for me for ten years. I was never 100% clear but could live a relative normal life. For one day a week I was groggy with nausea and drowsyness but I accepted that for the benefits. The folic acid should help with the side effects. Good luck

I was originally prescribed this in tablet form however it did not agree with me and I was then moved on to administering it by injection. After almost a year of trial and error, different doses via both methods, I no longer take this medication as there was no reduction in my symptoms. I have now been given another medication which I self inject on a 2 weekly basis. It is still early days , only about 6/7 weeks in , so will just need to stick with it for a good while yet. For those taking methotrexate and it is helping I would say stick with it as you will always be monitored however not one treatment is suitable for everyone unfortunately. Hope you all do well and get some relief.

I’ve been on Methotrexate twice for approx a year. Worked really well especially for severe scalp psoriasis. Stopped as hoped to manage without but symptoms returned, second stop due to raised liver test results but false alarm. Now thinking of going back on it, desperate to sort severe scalp & body patches. Everyone is different so worth trying.