1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)
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Methotrexate side effects

Posted by relaxedphd @relaxedphd, Aug 11 4:19pm

I was diagnosed with PMR July 2024 and Sjogren's syndrome Dec.2024. I'm down to 5 mg of prednisone a day which seems to be working (except I seem to "flare" when it rains or the barometric pressure changes). My question is about MTX. I take it orally once a week 6 pills 2.5 mg each. The day after I take it I get diarrhea, fatigue and many times nausea as well. The side effects are not as bad as they used to be and I'm wondering if they ever go away or should I ask about a lower dose of MTX.? If I have to put up with the effects for one day, I will. I would just like to know what others experience.
thank you

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juliemcgee62 | @juliemcgee62 | Aug 15 11:31am

I didn't put it together but yes the day after Methotrexate I have potty issues ...

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relaxedphd | @relaxedphd | Sep 2 7:15am

I was diagnosed with PMR in July 2024 and Sjogren's Syndrome in December 2024. I also have MS which has been in remission.
Presently I am taking 5 mg prednisone daily and 6 Methotrexate pills once a week. My question is: Besides the MTX side effects of nausea, fatigue and diarrhea which thankfully now they only last for a day or so, I have pain in my arms, legs and sometimes a headache (almost like a PMR flare), does anyone else experience the pain part?

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2 replies
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SusanEllen66 | @SusanEllen66 | Sep 2 12:12pm
In reply to @relaxedphd "I was diagnosed with PMR in July 2024 and Sjogren's Syndrome in December 2024. I also..." + (show)
Profile picture for relaxedphd @relaxedphd

I was diagnosed with PMR in July 2024 and Sjogren's Syndrome in December 2024. I also have MS which has been in remission.
Presently I am taking 5 mg prednisone daily and 6 Methotrexate pills once a week. My question is: Besides the MTX side effects of nausea, fatigue and diarrhea which thankfully now they only last for a day or so, I have pain in my arms, legs and sometimes a headache (almost like a PMR flare), does anyone else experience the pain part?

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@relaxedphd
I’m sorry you are going through all this.

I had methotrexate infusions for a short time, and it affected my lungs. I developed ground glass opacity. It cleared up when I stopped the infusions.

Blessings

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1 reply
Profile picture for Justin McClanahan, Moderator
Moderator
Justin McClanahan, Moderator | @JustinMcClanahan | Sep 2 12:56pm
In reply to @relaxedphd "I was diagnosed with PMR in July 2024 and Sjogren's Syndrome in December 2024. I also..." + (show)
Profile picture for relaxedphd @relaxedphd

I was diagnosed with PMR in July 2024 and Sjogren's Syndrome in December 2024. I also have MS which has been in remission.
Presently I am taking 5 mg prednisone daily and 6 Methotrexate pills once a week. My question is: Besides the MTX side effects of nausea, fatigue and diarrhea which thankfully now they only last for a day or so, I have pain in my arms, legs and sometimes a headache (almost like a PMR flare), does anyone else experience the pain part?

Jump to this post

Hello @relaxedphd,

I combined your discussion on methotrexate side effects with a previous discussion of yours on the same topic:

"Methotrexate side effects"
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/methotrexate-side-effects/

Here, members can see your new post and question and have a chance to comment and reconnect with you.

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2 replies
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relaxedphd | @relaxedphd | Sep 2 1:16pm
In reply to @SusanEllen66 "@relaxedphd I’m sorry you are going through all this. I had methotrexate infusions for a short..." + (show)
Profile picture for SusanEllen66 @SusanEllen66

@relaxedphd
I’m sorry you are going through all this.

I had methotrexate infusions for a short time, and it affected my lungs. I developed ground glass opacity. It cleared up when I stopped the infusions.

Blessings

Jump to this post

Thank you

REPLY
Profile picture for relaxedphd
relaxedphd | @relaxedphd | Sep 2 1:17pm
In reply to @JustinMcClanahan "Hello @relaxedphd, I combined your discussion on methotrexate side effects with a previous discussion of yours..." + (show)
Profile picture for Justin McClanahan, Moderator @JustinMcClanahan

Hello @relaxedphd,

I combined your discussion on methotrexate side effects with a previous discussion of yours on the same topic:

"Methotrexate side effects"
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/methotrexate-side-effects/

Here, members can see your new post and question and have a chance to comment and reconnect with you.

Jump to this post

Sorry, I forgot that I already asked about that.
Thank you

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Profile picture for relaxedphd
relaxedphd | @relaxedphd | Sep 2 1:21pm
In reply to @JustinMcClanahan "Hello @relaxedphd, I combined your discussion on methotrexate side effects with a previous discussion of yours..." + (show)
Profile picture for Justin McClanahan, Moderator @JustinMcClanahan

Hello @relaxedphd,

I combined your discussion on methotrexate side effects with a previous discussion of yours on the same topic:

"Methotrexate side effects"
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/methotrexate-side-effects/

Here, members can see your new post and question and have a chance to comment and reconnect with you.

Jump to this post

The pain in my arms and legs the day after I take the Mtx is what I am curious to see if others have pain with it,
Thank you

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1 reply
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kare1 | @kare1 | Sep 5 8:10am
In reply to @relaxedphd "The pain in my arms and legs the day after I take the Mtx is what..." + (show)
Profile picture for relaxedphd @relaxedphd

The pain in my arms and legs the day after I take the Mtx is what I am curious to see if others have pain with it,
Thank you

Jump to this post

I have to say I don’t feel anything w/Methotrexate. I take 15 mg once a week. I’ve been on it since May this year. I do feel my intestines in the morning “looser” than I’d like! It’s right after I eat food which I have to do because of prednisone! But by late morning thereabouts I can comfortable go out walking shopping whatever. 2 weeks ago Rheumatologist said I could lower metho to 10 mg or even take an anti diarrhea over the counter med. lol I’ve done neither right now. That’s my only issue w/it right now. (As to my innerds who knows??)

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Profile picture for juliemcgee62
juliemcgee62 | @juliemcgee62 | Sep 9 10:47am

I only take Methotrexate..prednisone made me eat..I take 6 once a week..no side effects..however I rarely get any side effects. Pain gone.

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