Nanny,

I don't do MTX and have those same feelings. I don't know what they mean. I
was feverish, chilly, and had the itching all over. Then it got really bad
in the back area. I kept insisting there had to be rash and Jim kept
checking me and no rash. I was thinking it was some kind of virus. I wasn't
on pred at the time either. So don't know what caused it really. I feel for
you sweetie and just wanted you to know that.

I hope you find out some answers on the MTX stuff.

You hang in there.

OK, I'm not a doctor or a pharmacist, but I've been taking this stuff for a
while.  I usually just feel more tired than usual after I take a dose.  I
forgot to take my shot last night so did it this morning and I want to sleep
all day.  Also have been kind of chilly, but that may be from weaning off
prednisone.  I guess so should the sleepy but it is much worse today.

I also get a headache from the MTX but I can avoid or "cure" that with a
glass of water.  I know I need extra water when I take it but I often
forget.

As for killing cells, I don't think it kills any but it does cut down on
reproduction in some types of cells.  At the high doses used for cancer it
can help to prevent the growth of the blood vessels tumors create to nourish
themselves.  At the much lower doses used for arthritis it cuts down on
inflammation and swelling.

I don't have a problem with nausea from MTX but I take shots.  I have plenty
of nausea from other things.

Overall itchy feeling, I'd be checking with my doctor.

But if it is just a dry skin feeling kind of thing, maybe it is from getting
off prednisone.  Doing without it can cause its own side effects for a
while.

(I'm down to 2mg one day and 3mg the next on prednisone.  Never been on it
for so long before and never took so long to wean back off)

Jo

For several years now I've been taking 7.5 mg once a week, (pill form).
I've never noticed anything.
Sharon

I get all the things you described and as soon as you find out what it is,
let me know! BTW, I don't take MTX, only Enbrel.

Gloria