Rheumatoid arthritis?
Question:
Are there long term side effects from this drug?
Answers:
methotrexate is a pretty potent drug that is used to treat certain types of cancers as well as RA. it can cause a whole load of side effects, including blood and bone marrow problems, fever, chills, bruising, lung problems (shortness of breath, cough), mouth sores, abdominal pain, liver problems (jaundice, yellowing of the eyes), kidney problems (blood in the utine), edema (swelling in the legs or other extremities), and others. nausea is a result of ANY drug that is used to battle cancer, and since methotrexate is considered to be a cancer drug as well, that is why he is experiencing nausea (i would assume he is taking zofran for the nausea, and if not, suggest that to your doctor as zofran is superior to most other anti-nausea meds for dealing with the nausea related to cancer medications). long term, i would say the main side effects is the problems it can cause to the blood/bone marrow, which may induce an anemia (lowered blood levels, such as lessened levels of red blood cells, which may cause you to bruise unusually or feel fatigued).
methotrexate is a great drug for RA, and patients have been known to really experience alof of comfort after taking it. RA never quite goes into remission, though. it is an autoimmune disorder that causes some major inflammation in the joints. it is a chronic disease and may not go away but the symptoms can be lessened with a course of methotrexate treatment. hopefully, your husband will begin to experience more comfort soon.
Other Answers:
I have had RA for 20 years and have taken tons of different medications that purport to cause you to go into remission. The only drug I took that actually did that was the Gold shots. I took Methatrexate for 5 years and experienced the nausea and originally painful mouth sores. I was also so tired the day after taking the medication that I couldn't function. My doctor told me that you have to have a liver panel done every 6 months to check for liver damage and that if you are on it for over 5 years it is good to do a liver biopsy.
I will say that on the OTHER days when I didnt have to take Methatrexate, I felt good and had no symptoms. I am currently taking Enbrel injections and in all the years this is the best medicine I have found so far. It has by far less side effects for the RA patient.
Good luck for your husband and make sure he gets plenty of rest and your support.
I have been on the methotrexate for almost 3 years now, and unfortunately, I have not found the advantages of it. I too suffer from the nausea (for about 3-4 days after). I did find that this lessened a little after I went to the injections vs taking the pills. With the pills I was sick all week and with the injection it's only for a couple of days. I'm sorry to say, the RA will never go away, but the drugs are used to help slow it down. Just make sure that you are there to support him mentally, physically and most important, emotionally! That in itself will help the pain deminish! I highly recommend going on to the website: www.arthritissupport.com they have a wonderful chat room that can answer many questions as well!
Good luck to both you and your husband. It's a long road, but just remember for every valley there is a mountain peak with the most wonderful views!
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