Methotrexate for psoriasis

Treatment and medication
1

Hi, is anyone taking methotrexate for psoriasis? I have been offered it but said I wanted to research it first. My psoriasis has recently gotten extremely bad to the point where it's impacting on my life. It's on my arms, back, legs and stomach so basically everywhere now I can easily tray the biggest patches on my arms, lower back and backs of my upper legs by using the ointment they prescribed but it's not so easy on the guttate psoriasis elsewhere.

does it work well enough to risk the potential side effects?

I would love to hear from other psoriasis sufferers.

2

Hi Carla

I am also a chronic severe psoriasis sufferer. I have had it since the age of 5 and am now 43. 

I know the feeling with the Guttate form, it's so hard to treat. 

I have been taking Methotrexate now for 4 and a half years after everything else failed. 

I started on 5mg( tablet form) and gradually increased it to 15mg. 

I did suffer bad with mouth ulcers at first and wondered if it was worth it. As after a month I could see no difference. Then I went to Greece and was given a sambuka shot. Boy did that sting. But the next day they were gone. I know your not suppose to drink but I was told it was ok on special occasions. 

My dermatology nurse said that it's because of the liquorish that's in it. Never had them since. 

After about 3 months I noticed a real difference. My skin had really calmed down. No iching and was even starting to clear. Couldn't believe it. 

As, they start to increase your medication you can feel quite sick for 24 hours. 

I got fed up with this and after about two years and a setback they wanted to increase me to 20 mg. I said no! 

So they recommended the injection with bypasses your stomach and cuts the sickness down. ( And it's free!!!)

They also gave me anti sickness tablets which are fantastic and I would recommend. 

I've noticed such a difference. I can wear shorts and short sleeve tops and not feel embarrassed. 

I still use my topical creams too but nothing like I use to do. 

I have regular blood tests and have never had a problem directly from the methotrexate.  

If you do as your told and follow the dermatologists advice, then the benefits definatly out way the negatives. 

Like you I was really concerned after reading the leaflets. But i think they just have to tell you everything that can happen. But I think it rarly does. 

I hope this helps you to make a decision. 

After all, you can give it a try it won't make it any worse 

Good luck Jo

3

yes im on 20 mg metoject. i suffer from bad psoriatic arthritus and some psorasis,there are lots of side effects, but it has cleared up my skin completly, i only get occasional small flareups.

4

Thank you so much for your reply. I'm definitely leaning towards saying yes. Like you say, I can give it a go and see what happens. 

I'll remember the Sambuka tip too wink 

do you mind me asking about drinking in general? I know you mention drinking on special occasions. From what I've read so e people drink normally and others avoid it. I do quite like the odd night out and to be able to have a few drinks.  How does it affect you?

5

Thanks for the reply. I think I might give it a go and see how I get on. 

6

I was never a big drinker. I do believe as long as you don't drink excessively then you will be fine. I like a glass or to of wine but if I was going out all night I will water it down or alternate it with a soft drink. 

Anti sickness tablets are great for hangovers! And it was my nurse that told me that! 

I think the main side effect is the ulcers. But again I think that's while the body is adjusting. 

Jo x

7

I think I'll need to cut down on the amount I drink. Although that's a small price to pay for clearer skin!

I'm a wimp so the mouth ulcers may be a problem but I'm willing to give it a go and see what happens.

Thank you

8

Let me know how you get on

9

hi carla everyone is different on this drug, i think its worth a go and just see how it pans out for you, take care xx

10

Hi my name is toni. Im where you  were 5 months ago. So I was wondering if you wouldn't mind telling me how you getting on with the medications and how your feeling now?  I hope your feeling better.

            Many thanks toni.