topic Re: Anyone take Methadraxate ? in Wellness

Anyone take Methadraxate ?

Kitty Galore — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 19:24:15 GMT

I have been on the immune suppressant cell cept for 7 yrs for an auto immune disease . Now my dr wants me to add methadraxate and from what I've been reading it is very strong! I hsve a hard time with meds, lots of side effects . I'm very chemically sensitive to a lot of medications. Doing these injections sorry me with they extensive list of side effects . Has anyone taken this drug and what is your expierence with it if you would share?

Re: Anyone take Methadraxate ?

Mistreatedbycs — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 19:29:00 GMT

Don't want to be mean at all, but why would anyone discuss any kind of drug on a public forum? One's own body is unique and what would work for you may not work for anyone else. Adding for subtracting drugs could cause injury to someone else, they may read and believe that they can be their own doctor, I would suggest a second opinion from a different doctor.

But, that's just me.

Re: Anyone take Methadraxate ?

Kitty Galore — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 19:30:02 GMT

Sorry the medication is Methotrexate .

Re: Anyone take Methadraxate ?

Kitty Galore — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 19:37:07 GMT

@Mistreatedbycs wrote:
Don't want to be mean at all, but why would anyone discuss any kind of drug on a public forum? One's own body is unique and what would work for you may not work for anyone else. Adding for subtracting drugs could cause injury to someone else, they may read and believe that they can be their own doctor, I would suggest a second opinion from a different doctor.

But, that's just me.

This is a wellness discussion area , I was only wanting an opinon on what thoughts were on this particular medication if anyone had taken it. I certainly would not take or dic line to take on recommendation of someone . I know it is my decision. If your not taking this med why would you care about my post? I'm addressing someone who may have taken it and had some feedback that would be helpful for me.

Re: Anyone take Methadraxate ?

Irshgrl31201 — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 19:55:26 GMT

I am assuming you are talking about methotrexate. I have taken it. I have Crohns and I took Humira which wrecked my immune system. Let me be clear, I think these drugs are miracles for most who use it, but my body couldn't handle it. They later put me on smaller doses of methotrexate to see if that would be effective in controlling my body from attacking itself. Unfortunately my immune system was totally shot from the Humira so now I take NO immune suppressants at all, because my body just can't handle it. I wish it could because I know so many people who have greatly benefitted from it.

Your dr also decides the strength you take, you can be on low levels or more depending on what he feels you need. My dr tried to get me on methotrexate for almost a year before I actually started taking it. There was a real shortage a couple of years back so only the people who needed it most were getting it, like cancer patients, etc..

Immune suppressants are a serious things and I do think you should know everything you can before you decide to take them. I took Humira for only a few months all the way back in 2008 or 2009 and I am STILL dealing with the effects. Before taking that, I had never even heard of MRSA and I have been treated over 200 MRSA infections since then. I have worked hard on building my immune system back up but I have been told that I will probably never be the same in regards to that, even though it has been years since I last used it.

Re: Anyone take Methadraxate ?

Shelbelle — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 19:47:01 GMT

My friend with severe psoriasis took this in the late 70's. I remember it was experimental back then, she had to go to her doc's office once a week to get it injected. She said then it was quite risky for her to be using it, but it was her only hope of feeling and looking better.

Re: Anyone take Methadraxate ?

Carmie — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 19:47:08 GMT

My sister takes it and has for many years for her RA. She does not have any side effects from taking it.

Re: Anyone take Methadraxate ?

LilacTree — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 20:03:43 GMT

@Irshgrl31201 wrote:
I am assuming you are talking about methotrexate. I have taken it. I have Crohns and I took Humira which wrecked my immune system. Let me be clear, I think this drug is a miracle for most who use it, but my body couldn't handle it. They later put me on smaller doses of methotrexate to see if that would be effective in controlling my body from attacking itself. Unfortunately my immune system was totally shot from the Humira so now I take NO immune suppressants at all, because my body just can't handle it. I wish it could because I know so many people who have greatly benefitted from it.

Your dr also decides the strength you take, you can be on low levels or more depending on what he feels you need. My dr tried to get me on methotrexate for almost a year before I actually started taking it. There was a real shortage a couple of years back so only the people who needed it most were getting it, like cancer patients, etc..

Immune suppressants are a serious thing and I do think you should know everything you can before you decide to take them. I took Humira for only a few months all the way back in 2008 or 2009 and I am STILL dealing with the effects. Before taking that, I had never even heard of MRSA and I have been treated over 200 MRSA infections since then. I have worked hard on building my immune system back up but I have been told that I will probably never be the same in regards to that, even though it has been years since I last used it.

@Irshgrl31201

When I first came down with RA in 2004, MTX (methotrexate) was the first med prescribed for me. I did nothing but vomit the whole first week and lost about 10 lbs., becoming dehydrated and ending up in the hospital for IV rehydration. I realized that wasn't the drug for me. It is chemotherapy at a lower dose than what is used for cancer.

Since then I have been to at least ten rheumatologists, all of whom prescribed biologics like Humira (Enbrel, Remicade, newer Xeljanz and others). When I say no, they say they can't help me, which means "goodbye." I wound up with prednisone, which has its side effects, but nothing like the biologics. I take a low dose (8 mgs/day) and it doesn't take away all of the pain, but reduces it to a bearable amount. I've been on it about twelve years now.

My biggest fear is MRSA infections, and I'd rather die from RA side effects than ever have to deal with MRSA. My heart goes out to you, I can't imagine 200 MRSA infections, I would never been able to survive that. We have to deal with the fact that there is nothing out there that will cure immune deficiency.

Some folks have remissions . . . I never have. Instead I've accumulated additional autoiummune diseases like Sjogrens and Scleroderma. I already had Hashimoto's at menopause, which no one either knew or just didn't tell me was an autoiummune disease . . . it was my first and Synthroid kept me from being sick from it, and still does keep it in check.

What bothers me most besides the chronic pain, is my deformed right hand and alopecia at the top of my scalp. But I'm probably a lot older than you, so my heart goes out to you for however long you have to live with this curse.

Re: Anyone take Methadraxate ?

grandma2pkmh — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 20:06:29 GMT

@Kitty GaloreI have taken methotrexate - 15 mg once a week for many years along with Humira - twice a month for my RA. I have to have blood test every 3 months to keep an eye on kidney and liver functions. I have had no side effects and feel great. As all people handle drugs differently, there is no way to tell how your body will react. Best of luck if you decide to take it.

Re: Anyone take Methadraxate ?

Kitty Galore — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 20:44:22 GMT

thank you to each and everyone of you for your replies. I gave a lot to think about before taking or agreeing to take this drug. My doctors are trying to talk me into it. I have very bad side effects to every medication it seems . Have on weigh they pros and cons as we have to be our own health advocates. Learned that the hard way. I may just stay on cell cept and leave well enough alone. I could slow take predisone, but hesitate as it made me hyper plus couldn't sleep. It is a miracle drug if you need it for sure, as all of geese drugs that were mentioned are , and sometimes life saving. I am just so leery of this one in particular. So many side effects I've also read about which my dr assures me won't happen with a low dose. And wants to do Inje tions to by pass the stomach issues I give with meds.

Again think you , I hsve lays found this wellness area so very helpful, people are willing to take the time to help , it's appreciated.

Re: Anyone take Methadraxate ?

Kitty Galore — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 20:48:00 GMT

@Kitty Galore wrote:
thank you to each and everyone of you for your replies. I gave a lot to think about before taking or agreeing to take this drug. My doctors are trying to talk me into it. I have very bad side effects to every medication it seems . Have on weigh they pros and cons as we have to be our own health advocates. Learned that the hard way. I may just stay on cell cept and leave well enough alone. I could slow take predisone, but hesitate as it made me hyper plus couldn't sleep. It is a miracle drug if you need it for sure, as all of geese drugs that were mentioned are , and sometimes life saving. I am just so leery of this one in particular. So many side effects I've also read about which my dr assures me won't happen with a low dose. And wants to do Inje tions to by pass the stomach issues I give with meds.

Again think you , I hsve lays found this wellness area so very helpful, people are willing to take the time to help , it's appreciated.

Sorry about the typos, used my ipad Instead of my computer...in a hurry!

Re: Anyone take Methadraxate ?

hayseed00 — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 20:50:27 GMT

I was on Methotrexate 20mg for around a year for my RA, but I was unable to tolerate the side effects. I took the drug once a week and was nauseous for four out of seven days and lost quite alot of hair on my head. I now only take Enbrel 50mg injections and have no side effects. I wish I could of tolerated the methotrexate because it did reduce my RA pain alot. Many individuals have no side effects and do well on the drug I just wasn't one of them. Always voice your concerns with your MD,

Re: Anyone take Methadraxate ?

sweetee2 — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 20:50:40 GMT

Interestingly my father took this for his MS for years. His Dr. said they us it for all kinds of illnesses.

Re: Anyone take Methadraxate ?

Irshgrl31201 — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 20:51:33 GMT

@LilacTree wrote:
@Irshgrl31201 wrote:
I am assuming you are talking about methotrexate. I have taken it. I have Crohns and I took Humira which wrecked my immune system. Let me be clear, I think this drug is a miracle for most who use it, but my body couldn't handle it. They later put me on smaller doses of methotrexate to see if that would be effective in controlling my body from attacking itself. Unfortunately my immune system was totally shot from the Humira so now I take NO immune suppressants at all, because my body just can't handle it. I wish it could because I know so many people who have greatly benefitted from it.

Your dr also decides the strength you take, you can be on low levels or more depending on what he feels you need. My dr tried to get me on methotrexate for almost a year before I actually started taking it. There was a real shortage a couple of years back so only the people who needed it most were getting it, like cancer patients, etc..

Immune suppressants are a serious thing and I do think you should know everything you can before you decide to take them. I took Humira for only a few months all the way back in 2008 or 2009 and I am STILL dealing with the effects. Before taking that, I had never even heard of MRSA and I have been treated over 200 MRSA infections since then. I have worked hard on building my immune system back up but I have been told that I will probably never be the same in regards to that, even though it has been years since I last used it.
@Irshgrl31201
When I first came down with RA in 2004, MTX (methotrexate) was the first med prescribed for me. I did nothing but vomit the whole first week and lost about 10 lbs., becoming dehydrated and ending up in the hospital for IV rehydration. I realized that wasn't the drug for me. It is chemotherapy at a lower dose than what is used for cancer.

Since then I have been to at least ten rheumatologists, all of whom prescribed biologics like Humira (Enbrel, Remicade, newer Xeljanz and others). When I say no, they say they can't help me, which means "goodbye." I wound up with prednisone, which has its side effects, but nothing like the biologics. I take a low dose (8 mgs/day) and it doesn't take away all of the pain, but reduces it to a bearable amount. I've been on it about twelve years now.

My biggest fear is MRSA infections, and I'd rather die from RA side effects than ever have to deal with MRSA. My heart goes out to you, I can't imagine 200 MRSA infections, I would never been able to survive that. We have to deal with the fact that there is nothing out there that will cure immune deficiency.

Some folks have remissions . . . I never have. Instead I've accumulated additional autoiummune diseases like Sjogrens and Scleroderma. I already had Hashimoto's at menopause, which no one either knew or just didn't tell me was an autoiummune disease . . . it was my first and Synthroid kept me from being sick from it, and still does keep it in check.

What bothers me most besides the chronic pain, is my deformed right hand and alopecia at the top of my scalp. But I'm probably a lot older than you, so my heart goes out to you for however long you have to live with this curse.

I was in my late 30's when I started Humira and thankfully I was very healthy, ate good and in great physical shape. If it hadn't been for that, I have been told I wouldn't have survived that. I had an extreme reaction to Humira and other immuno suppressants but the vast majority of people who are on these drugs, find them to be miracle drugs. I WISH I could take them. I have so many Crohns friends (and other auto immune disease sufferers) who have had their lives changed for the better.

I am sorry you have had so many problems, I know we have talked in the past about it. To be honest I have always been healthy so when this came about, I just did what my drs told me and didn't read up about this as I should have and ALWAYS do now. Even if I had done my due diligence, I probably would have still decided to take it because what happened to me is so rare, I would have risked it.

Good luck to you!

Re: Anyone take Methadraxate ?

KingstonsMom — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 20:58:08 GMT

My husband has Crohn's disease and takes methothrexate daily, in addition to Remicade (IV) every 8 weeks.

He has no adverse effects from the methotrexate, but evryone's body and tolerance is different.

Re: Anyone take Methadraxate ?

GenXmuse — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 23:22:28 GMT

I give myself weekly injections of methotrexate. It seems to have fewer side effects than when I took it orally. I'm pretty happy with it.

Re: Anyone take Methadraxate ?

Montana — Sat, 24 Dec 2016 22:02:36 GMT

@Kitty Galore, askapatient.com is a good site for reviews by people using various drugs. There are reviews there for methotrexate.

Re: Anyone take Methadraxate ?

GCR18 — Sun, 25 Dec 2016 01:14:13 GMT

I took methotrexate for a couple years. The only side effect I had was hives. At the time, I seemed to get hives from everything new that I took. I had to take a antihistamine an hour before I took my weekly pill and had no more hives.

Re: Anyone take Methadraxate ?

PilatesLover — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 17:20:35 GMT

I don't see a problem with anyone seeking real life experiences with a medication.

That said, to the OP - I was on it for years. I took it once weekly, first pills and then injections. It really helped me with inflammation. I have not read the whole thread, but I'm sure the potential for liver damage has been mentioned, so your doctor will be monitoring your liver through regular blood tests

It can have other side effects such as stomach upset. I personally only had that for the first month, I grew to tolerate it quickly. Never had liver damage. Over time, though, it did cause me to get rheumatoid nodules. My doctor took me off of it.

Best wishes to you.

Re: Anyone take Methadraxate ?

beauty junkie — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 05:49:33 GMT

My Father took it for his RA and had no side effetcs. I have RA and lupus and sclerderma and I had brutal side effetcs but that was with the pill and it now comes in an injection which i heard has less side effects.I couldn't handle the cellcepht either and the enbryl injections have left me with cronic sinus issues and lung problems.Good luck.