I am curious how long anyone has been taking Methotrexate? My Rheumy suggested that he would take me off at 2 years, but not sooner. I haven't started the protocol yet; any info you all have would be much appreciated. thanks,
stacey~~
I have been taking MTX and Plaquenil for over 5 years since the dagnosis of my Sjogrens. What was your dr's reason for taking you off at two years? Lucy
Because I have great concerns about the long term effects of taking MTX, I asked how long I would have to be on it. Initially, he told me "indefinitely" and I expressed my concerns. He said if I am doing well at 2 years he would take me off, but not sooner. I asked why, and he responded that "they haven't had much success with suppressing the inflammation to the point that it will not flare up before the 2 year mark." :-\
~stacey
I was on MTX for 11 years for psoriatic arthritis (before I was also diagnosed with Sjogren's).
I worked great for me for the first few years. However, from what I hear from others, I am one of the few who couldn't tolerated a higher dose than the minimum therapeutic does, 7.5 mg. Whenever we increased the dose, my white blood cell count went way too low, I got sick a lot, and I got very bad skin infections for what would have been a very minor bump without MTX.
Don't let that scare you, though, as I've never run into or heard of anyone who was that sensitive to it.
During that time, I had one liver biopsy (I don't think they recommend them anymore.), and it was negative. I also have no residual side effects from the MTX right now.
Hope this helps.
I appreciate the info, thanks. You are the second person that has told me they could not tolerate the meds after a certain amount of time and were taken off. Interestingly enough, you are both on Humira and both of you have psoriatic (sp) arthritis. She became really fatigued after about 5 years when they increased her dosage.
I really would like to avoid this medication if at all possible.
~stacey