Methotrexate

[flowerbud]

I have been diagnosed with rheumatoid athritis and recommended to take Methotrexate . I was ready to take the first dose last night. The tablet box says " Take Six to be Taken Weekly". The box holds 24 tablets of 2.5mg strength. I must have misunderstood my doctor as I didn't realise I would be taking six altogether but am pretty sure this is what I should do. Any one with advice would be most appreciated. Public holiday here so cant see doctor until at least Wednesday.

[Samuraisan]

You could Google, or ask a chemist

[bednobs]

sounds right to me

[NoMercy]

Yes, they come in 2.5mg tablets, so you need to take them all at the same time. Some people start on a low dose and titrate up by 2.5mg per week. Sometimes people can tolerate a dose of, say, 15mg, but cannot tolerate 17.5mg.

So to recap, you take them all in one go and then take your Folic Acid 3 days later. I take it you have the Rheumatology Helpline number if you run into any problems after taking your first dose?

[flowerbud]

Thanks for getting back to me. I am 99% sure about taking 6 but although I know it sounds silly but theres a niggling doubt in me. Read the packet notes "overdose could be fatal" "if you overdose call the poison helpline " !!!!!!!!!!! I will phone the rheumatology helpline. I wasnt given the number but will find it. Im finding this a bit scary. Thanks for your advice

[NoMercy]

I used to work in Rheumatology, Flower. I know that starting DMARDs such as Methotrexate can be daunting, but 6 x 2.5mg (15mg) is the standard weekly dose for RA.

However if you are uncertain about anything, ring the Rheumatology Helpline - that's what they're there for.

[flowerbud]

thanks very much. I really appreciate some re-assurance. I will phone helpline tomorrow.

[bednobs]

it probably wont make much difference if you start next week rather than this week. When i was on it for ra i was on 25mg pw but where i was it was standard to take half he dose on monday nights and half on tuesday morning