Methotrexate alternatives

Hi everyone,

I came to this site after searching for alternatives to methotrexate. I’ve had help from a similar arthritis site but was really pleased to find a specific PsA forum.

I’m 43 and have had psoriasis for most of my life and symptoms of PsA for the last ten. I was diagnosed with PsA over a year ago and began treatment using methotrexate (currently 17.5mg) and folic acid (5mg).

The medication has almost completely cleared my skin and arthritis symptoms are much more manageable.

I’m having some major issues with side effects however - fatigue, depression, forgetfulness etc. and these have not eased over time.
I’ve tried the usual suggestions for managing this and non have been effective.

My rheumatologist has so far encouraged me to persevere but I’ve reached a point where the effects are too detrimental and I’m determined to push for something new at my next consultation in a few weeks time.

Advice so far has pointed towards sulfasalasine and leflunomide as alternative DMARDS that perhaps don’t carry the same heavy side effects as methotrexate - although I appreciate that this will vary from person to person.

There’s a lot of information online relating to issues with methotrexate side effects, so really I’d love to hear from anyone that has had a similar experience and in particular anyone that has found success by switching to an alternative medication.

Many thanks, Ben.