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Methotrexate or Imuran for Lupus

I was recently prescribed Methotrexate to bring my Lupus and Arthritis under control. Really not liking the choice of taking a chemo drug. Does it really work and does it work long term? Really would like to hear from people who are taking it.

  1. No it didn't for me I got off of them fast

    1. thanks for the feedback. Filled the prescription but haven't started the regime yet. Doesn't "feel" right to me

  2. Talk with your doctor about them

    1. The doctor is the one who prescribed them but I learned not to take meds being shoved at me without researching them first. I had two bad experiences with doctors treating symptoms and not looking for better solutions, less dangerous

      1. , Its so important to keep yourself informed. I'm so glad you continue to be your own best advocate and not take anything for granted. The tricky thing about lupus is that since it manifests itself differently in different people, no two treatment journies look exactly the same either. One of our patient leaders has been taking immunosuppressants for years and has found them really helpful: https://lupus.net/living/immunosuppressants. While others in the community have reported nasty side effects from methotrexate: https://lupus.net/forums/methotrexate-injections. Some treatments take time for you body to initially adjust. Some treatments that work for others may not work for you and visa versa. Lupus is complex and the treatment is just as complicated. It doesn't help when doctors have let you down in the past, we hear you! I hope you are able to find a treatment plan that works for you soon!
        Gabby (team member)

    2. thank you for the insight. My situation has been brewing for 35 years but the serum tests were never conclusive enough to be medicated. If the double stranded dna had been done years ago, I believe I wouldn't be struggling to keep walking now.

      1. I hear your frustrations. Many people living with lupus struggle with a delay in diagnosis, and have often expressed feeling like their doctor did not do everything in their power to discover the realities of their condition. Fingers crossed that with the treatment options you have available to you now, that you might be able to regain some of your ability to walk in the future.

        Appreciate you sharing and taking the time to post. - Cody (Team Member)

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