Methotrexate Experience

[badhairday43]

Wondering if anyone has experience of a psoriasis flare-up whilst taking methotrexate? I'm gutted :( And itchy, irritable and thoroughly depressed about it. Am on the maximum dose of 25mg weekly and it's been managing it really well. Have had a stressful time lately and I'm now slowly getting covered again - it's coming up in places that I didn't even have it before (chest/forehead/back) although small patches at the moment. Any advice/experiences welcome. Luckily got a consultants appointment in a couple of days but I know it can't be increased anymore and if it gets any worse I think it'll tip me over the edge at the moment.

I was on that dose and did not have that issue. I did end up having to come off it , due to feeling like I had the flu for 2 days every week when I took it.

I do find it hard to fight off colds etc. but I've had no side effects otherwise. I know it's not good for me but I really don't want to stop taking it as I dread if coming back. I just feel gutted that despite the strong medication this has happened. What do you do to manage your psoriasis now? I assume that's what you took it for?

No, I am on it for my joints, due to sarcoidosis. Luckily never had psoriasis

I was on it for 8 months and was taken off it 3 weeks ago as my lft's were abnormal, I have been prescribed enstillar foam. It's ok but not as good as being on mtx.

I've got the foam as well and staying on the methotrexate but I'm just so disappointed that I've had a flare-up :(

Methotrexate gave me great results for my psoriasis but horrible side effects. Have you tried cyclosporine?

I've had no side effects at all luckily. No, is that another tablet? They won't give me anything else unfortunately but I am going through a stressful period at the moment so I'm hoping it'll improve over time. I'm going to have to try and manage it myself for now although it's not going to be easy as I'm slowly getting covered :(

I've never had a psoriasis flare on it. I'd be asking the consultant to consider biologics now. There's a few where people have achieved complete remision with them.

I'm on cosentyx and that had excellent reviews in trial. It's only for psoriasis, psoriatic Arthritis and ankoloysing spondylitis.

Thank you. He's told me it's not bad enough to warrant a stronger drug at the moment (although it is to me!) so will see how it is at my next appointment. I've got my first holiday in 4 years in August and was looking forward to finally being psoriasis free for it and this has happened. I'll look into the one you've mentioned thanks.

I was psoriasis free for the first year I was on methotrexate. I'm almost 3 years on now and I get dry skin and the odd flaky patch now and again but it's gone from 70-90% coverage to around 4% so I'm not really complaining. It was lovely though to be totally free that first year after having been covered in it for almost 50 yrs.

In general the mtx isnt working as well now as it did on joints or skin so my next appt will hopefully provide additional or alternative medication

I have humiria injections they are a biological drug much better than the older style drugs.

I've always been too scared to try methotrexate because of the side effects. I have it on my head, hands/arms, feet, knees and (worst of all) genitals. What sort of coverage do you all have? Is it worth taking immuno-suppresants or biologics? The uv treatments never work. I get so depressed as soon as the sun comes out and i can't wear dresses or short sleeved tops. Sorry to hijack your post OP but i don't know anyone who also has this depressing problem.

I feel your pain. I dread the Summer as can't wear anything and I look ridiculous in jeans, boots and cardigans while everyone else is walking around in shorts and sleeveless tops. I had complete clearance with methotrexate and no side effects at all but this recent flare has brought it up in places I've never had it before. My current coverage is feet, knees, elbows, scalp, back, stomach, tops of legs, backside and genitals. I'm gutted and also a little scared to continue with methotrexate after hearing of the death of an old work colleague yesterday. He developed liver problems after taking it for 8 years although was much older than me. It's an awful disease isn't it l. It depresses me so much. What are the other meds you've mentioned? Are you taking any meds at all?

I took mtx ,I've got an inflammatory connective tissue disease which causes my meninges to swell up as though I have meningitis.

I had the max dose of 25mg but was taken off it as it was ineffective, I found my skin to be bad but worst on my hands due to washing them. I used emollient cream and meditation to reduce stress. I really think it is hugely worsened by stress, and having it stresses you so it's a vicious circle.
I'd also recommend biologics as a next step, I was given infliximab and have just had a brain scan which shows improvement from 2014. Not bad since they thought it wouldn't improve at all!

Do biologics have any bad side effects? I used dovobet gel recently which helped a little bit but as soon as i stopped it came back twice as bad, like it always does. I've got a uv lamp at home which i try and use but even that isn't helping now because I'm really stressed. I really sympathise with how you all feel. I don't think people understand how much it gets you down.

Ask for the injectable instead to see if that helps.... The effectiveness can wear off after a while, did with mine. Started on humira today.... Here's hoping!!