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Does methotrexate help with the fatigue from ra and lupus?
My worst symptom is fatigue. Have had rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis and sjogrens for over 30 years. Been on low dose prednisone with more added for flares. 7mg every other day. Last 6 months it's been 5 mg every day. New doctor wants to start me on methotrexate. I am wondering if it will help with that. I'm
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@lorijoa Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. We’re glad you’re here! I cannot answer your question, but members of this group should be along tomorrow with good advice. Did the doctor say why they want to add in the methotrexate?
So,again,welcome!
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1 ReactionMethotrexate is a pretty serious medication. Did you and your doctor discuss why he/she wants you on that medication? Hang in there.
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3 ReactionsMethotrexate is commonly prescribed for RA. It also has indications for cancer. It is immunosuppressive drug, considered chemotherapy. As such, it can make one more fatigued, nauseous, and it can cause some hair loss (not always). In RA, it works by suppressing immune system and by reducing inflammation. I am not sure about its effects in lupus and pulmonary fibrosis - it is not prescribed for those indications. I agree with other comments - you need to confirm for which condition it was prescribed. Prednisone at 5mg daily may be easier to tolerate, but Methotrexate may be necessary for your condition, not optional, if there is progression on prednisone.
Here is a link to side effects:
https://www.drugs.com/sfx/methotrexate-side-effects.html
Here is a link to full prescribing information:
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/040054s015,s016,s017.pdf
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