Is Methotrexate a bad drug?My dr recently put me on Methotrexate for my rheumatoid arthritis. Its being paired with Prednisone and Enbrel injections. My husband is furious because he thinks we can never have children (Dr. said to be careful to never get preg while taking it, because it will abort and cause retardation). He is devastated about it. Will I have to take it forever (like can you just stop cold turkey w/o adverse reactions)? Also, is it a deadly drug?
-(: рєввlєѕ :)
Methotrexate IS a very potent drug, it inhibits the metabolism of folic acid, hence why it is so dangerous to get pregnant; a neural tube defect will probably be inevitable. As for getting pregnant, you will have to stop the drug and wait at least 3 full cycles before conceiving. You can take it forever, but stopping it cold turkey probably wouldn't cause withdrawl although it wouldn't be too good for your body!
'is it a deadly drug?' - all drugs have side effects, some worse than others and yes, methotrexate does have some serious potential side effects. But think of it, no doctor will prescribe a deadly drug unless it will definitely treat your condition. Any side effects the drug give will not be as bad as the effects of not taking the drug. That's the mantra of medicine. Good luck with your condition, & I wish you and your husband all the best with concieving in the future! :)
-Mary
You should schedule a meeting with your doctor and your husband to talk this over and discuss side effects, long lasting effects, etc. It is a serious drug and absolutely not something to be taken lightly but if you need it then you need it. According the National Library of Medicine:
Tell your doctor if you or your partner is pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you are female, you will need to take a pregnancy test before you begin taking methotrexate. Use a reliable method of birth control so that you or your partner will not become pregnant during or shortly after your treatment. If you are male, you and your female partner should continue to use birth control for 3 months after you stop taking methotrexate. If you are female, you should continue to use birth control until you have had one menstrual period that began after you stopped taking methotrexate. If you or your partner become pregnant, call your doctor immediately. Methotrexate may harm the fetus.
Arthritis Medication, Prevention, Symptoms, Treatment and Causes by Gooarthritis.info
Orignal From: Is Methotrexate a bad drug?
What kind of drug it is if it does not allow you to get pregnant? Change both the Dr and the medicine!
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