Im so happy to hear youll be going to Mayo in May. I understand having to stop medications, sometimes the side effects are too much. I had tried otezla for my skin last year , it made all my tendons hurt. The methotrexate ive been on for 17 yrs, for me its the sweating, yuck. Hoping youll find what works soon. Julie

I used Methotrexate for about a month, several years ago. I was not able to take any of the new biological wonder drugs that are constantly advertised on tv as I have had several cancers. The methotrexate did nothing for my RA, however it damaged my lungs. I now have mild COPD.
Please be careful with this drug, it has many bad side effects.
The RA has ruined my hands/fingers, and is now affecting my toes. Many of my finger joints are fused and can not bend. When this first started, the pain was similar to having knives stuck in my fingers, but that has subsided to a mild pain. I have 3 fingers that are flexible and almost normal. My hands looks terrible, all bent & in winter are purple.

Doctor keeps encouraging me to try Methotrexate and I keep resisting. I would like some anecdotal reports from users who have taken it with success and those who experienced side effects that precluded it. I can read the side effects but would rather hear first hand accounts. I am continuing on medrol and have been for 10 years and all my blood work that methotrexate could affect is now normal. Thank you. M.E.

I had the same experience. Have you asked for the liquid form of methotrexate. If you are comfortable giving yourself a shot, it is so much easier on your digestive system.

I have found that the liquid methotrexate works very well for me. If you don’t mind injecting yourself once a week.

“Shots work better for some people, especially if you forget to take your pills on schedule or if the pills cause nausea. Methotrexate liquid comes in vials with a hypodermic needle or in prefilled pens with various doses.

You inject the drug under the skin on your stomach or thigh. Your doctor or nurse will show you how to do this at home. If you use a prefilled pen, you’ll stick the pen into your stomach or thigh and press on it to inject the drug. Try to give yourself your shot in a different spot each time. This will help you avoid skin reactions.” David Zelman, MD
Leucovorin may reduce the effects of methotrexate
Leucovorin may reduce the effects of methotrexate. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. Contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen or your condition changes during treatment with these medications.