Has anyone taken methotrexate for an autoimmune disorder? I was just officially diagnosed with Sarcoidosis and myositis this week after a year and a half of tests. I also have Raynauds as a symptom of these two disorders. The doc started me on prednisone almost 2 months ago and they agreed to take me off them but I have to start methotrexate instead. Prednisone has made blood sugar control difficult to say the least but I am not finding much about methotrexate and blood sugars. My rheumatologist said it probably wouldn’t effect my sugars but I should call my endo to be sure. Just wanted to see what you guys had experienced as not treating the disorders is not an option. The doc said they would kill me if I chose to not treat them at all so I will treat them.
Isn’t it fabulous that some of us get multiple autoimmune issues As if the big D wasn’t enough!
Hi Suzanne,
Until someone who has actually taken it responds, and it seems to be taking awhile, no, methotrexate shouldn’t cause changes in your blood glucose tests. I’ve had prednisone and know what you’re talking about.
I’ve gone over the methotrexate literature since it’s one of those the docs have suggested for me. I’m in the multiple autoimmune problem with you.
Methotrexate has multiple, heavy toxic side effects, tho, so take care you read the insert CAREFULLY and know what to look for. Think about how your body is responding and stop and call the doctor if you have any indication of side effects right away. He’ll be doing tests along the way. In my experience with others, patients who are atuned to their bodies pick up side effects before the tests do. Figure there are always trade offs!
I’ll be thinking about and hoping things go well for you. Here’s to good health!!
Leona
The low dose he is giving me should have less side effects than the prednisone (I hope). You are right about the lab tests, I have to get blood drawn for the next 4 fridays and then I go to every other week for a couple of months. I am hyper aware of side effects when I start a new med so I will be watching and assessing daily. I only have to take it once a week and I started today. So far so good, we will see…thanks for your feedback, I am looking forward to being weaned off prednisone soon if this all goes well. I am tired of having zits, terrible blood sugars, and mood swings. It’s like being a teenager all over again!
Hello Suzanne.
I had taken methotrexate a year ago when I was diagnosed to have psoriasis. It was my dermatologist’s last resort at that time since I wasnt responding to topical medicines. It helped me very well but I was on strict monitoring. My blood was tested on a regular basis plus I went through tests to ensure my liver and kidneys were strong enough to take the drug. However, when I was diagnosed to be diabetic, my internist discontinued the methorexate. She said that it may interact with the medications Im taking which is Glimiperide. She says it is also weakening my liver. So my dermatologist prescribed topical steroids, which fortunately worked (Slowly but it did).
Its really best you tell your endo about it. Methotrexate, as far as I know, can even interact with the simplest vitamin or mineral. Keep a close communication with your doctor while on this drug.
I have used methortrexate in the past and did not effect BS numbers. Now it did other things, sore sin my mouth, loss of appetite, some swelling etc. that caused me to go off it. There are some substitutes in the market, they were just worse as far as mouth sores, but better for the stomach issues. Most people who take it do well with it , I am just super sensitive to mouth stuff. Yuckers.
Drug interactions are very common with mehtotrexate, so be sure you keep a med list with you and show your endo. Also if going to the dentist it is best ot inform them before you arrive that you are taking the drug. SOmetimes they want ot premedicate for infection.
Like all immune suppressants, you do have watch for colds, flu etc. It not the in the literature that I have read, but while on the methotrexate and the other pill immune suppressants, I got a ton of colds. Double yuckers.
Thanks for the info and the support! My rheumatologist left me a message today while I was at work to let me know he called my endo and talked to her about my treatment today. He is going to send her my weekly lab work to keep her in the loop and agreed that we would totally be doing a team approach to my treatment. I am so lucky I found 2 incredible docs who understand that I am going to take an active role in my health care and they support me in this.
I tend to be prone to mouth sores too so I am keeping an eye on my gums and tongue. I am also being really careful about washing my hands often through the day to avoid germs. I really don’t want to get colds, they can mess up my sugars ALOT! I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will not be too prone to bugs being on this medicine. I haven’t had a cold in over two years and I would like to avoid one for as long as possible.
I wish you the best. I was put on arava as the methotrexate substitute i did not like it either. I eventually had to give it up. The RA temporarily abated with the use of remicaid but of course it eventually failed. i am now on orencia.
I’m sorry to hear that you were dxd. with yet another autoimmune Suzanne. I have Raynaud’s also to compliment severe RA. I’ve been on Prednisone a few times through the years for bad flares and Methotrexate before.
I’ve been on Prednisone for 3 years now and at high doses I had a Hell of a time trying to get my sugars down. I finally weaned myself down, so it is easier to regulate my sugars while on it. Methotrexate I was put on again 3 mths. ago with no problems(touch wood). It would be even Nicer, if they worked. What do you think about the LDN that Johnd mentioned? Good Luck!
It’s funny I didn’t end up with RA since it is the only autoimmune problem we have in my extended family. So far no one has had it since my maternal grandma who passed away before I was born. My rheumatologist was surprised about that no one has had it since grandma. I am intrigued about the idea of LDN and am going to spend some time looking into the LDN this weekend. I am also going to talk to my dad, who is a PA, about it. He is always reading med journals and researching on the internet. I just have to see how much research is out there and I will bring it to my doc. I have access to journals through grad school and my doc is open to looking at stuff I bring in.
Hi, I know this is now an older topic, but I’m new to tudiabetes and also to Rheumatoid Arthritis (just diagnosed last week). Also looking for general information on RA and Type 1 and especially when it pertains to methotrexate. I just started my first dose today. I’m pretty certain I can expect lower blood sugars as a result because the methotrexate should subdue the inflamation and immuno response (which can cause elevated blood sugars). But not sure what else to expect. Would love any and all information.
I have been on the methotrexate for awhile now and I never did notice a dip in blood sugars once my inflammation markers went down. Not having any icky side effects at all from the drug. I have noticed that my curly hair is starting to straighten out and my rheumy says the methotrexate can change your hair texture. I haven’t lost any hair, which is good, but I am missing my curls.
Hi My sister was on methotrexate for brain cancer. It is a chemotherapy drug. It is given in different forms. You can google it and look up the side effects. I am sorry you are having to deal with this. I hope the medication works with no side effects.
aaawww… now its confirmed…we do really miss things when they are gone (yep…curls too! LOL).
Update on the methotrexate on my personal use…the pill was prescribed to me again last December, 2009, continues for a month. I took a 2.5 mg dosage every 12 hours for 2 days in a week for 4 weeks. Several liver tests was done before and after though (SGOT/SGPT). My endo prescribed me a vitamin called Essentiale Forte while I was on the methotrexate.
I did not see any significant increase (nor decrease) of blood sugar readings during those times. Aside from nausea, dizziness, lost of appetite (I lost 3 pounds) and headache…generally the experience was fine.
Thanks for the response, Suzanne. REALLY glad to hear you’re not having any side effects, that’s something I’m really worried about. Are you offsetting the methotrexate with folic acid?
I am taking folic acid which is why I probably am not losing hair, its just changing my hair ALOT. I have always had curly, frizzy hair and now it is more wavy and less frizzy. I miss the curls but feeling healthy is much more important.
Hi Suzanne,
I’m T1 and was just diagnosed with sarcoidosis too. Like you it took the docs a couple years to diagnose it. It is manifest in my right eye only and has caused significant vision loss. I started the MXT today. Has it worked for you or can you tell yet? Did you have many side effects? BTW I have curly hair too. Hmm, might be a new look if the MXT straightens it!
Hi Marcia3
I use MXT for RA / Lupus and I can tell you it had no impact to MY sugars (also T1) however be sure to use the folic acid to prevent loosing your hair (temporary) and the anemia which is a side effect. Your docs should tell you how much. Best of luck