Anyone take Methadraxate ?

Kitty Galore · ‎03-16-2010

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?

Mistreatedbycs · ‎03-10-2010

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.

Kitty Galore · ‎03-16-2010

Sorry the medication is Methotrexate .

Kitty Galore · ‎03-16-2010

@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.

Irshgrl31201 · ‎03-18-2010

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.

Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.
JFK

Shelbelle · ‎03-09-2010

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.

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

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

LilacTree · ‎03-25-2012

@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.

Formerly Ford1224
We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Elie Wiesel 1986

grandma2pkmh · ‎08-04-2013

@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.

Kitty Galore · ‎03-16-2010

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.