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Replies to "Yes my rheumatologist wanted to switch me to a monthly infusion or injectable but the methotrexate..."
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Jun 26 4:18pm | Replies (69)
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Yes my rheumatologist wanted to switch me to a monthly infusion or injectable but the methotrexate has done the trick with no side effects (bloodwork for liver has been fine) so I'm sticking with taking it once a week (8 tablets same day).
Replies to "Yes my rheumatologist wanted to switch me to a monthly infusion or injectable but the methotrexate..."
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A long time ago, methotrexate worked for me. I took it for about a year and I was able to reduce my daily prednisone dose to under 5 mg. My rheumatologist kept increasing my methotrexate dose as I decreased my prednisone dose. Unfortunately, my liver enzymes increased every time my methotrexate dose increased. I didn't turn yellow but I certainly felt sick.
I'm glad I tried methotrexate. When my rheumatologist was seeking approval for Actemra he claimed other alternatives including methotrexate had failed. He also cited an "inability to taper off prednisone" as a justification for Actemra. It was confusing because I thought prednisone was the treatment for PMR.
My rheumatologist said Prednisone was the treatment for PMR but not for the rest of my life.