Methotrexate and Ulcers: Hello. I have recently started... - NRAS

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Methotrexate and Ulcers

MrsC2403 profile image
12 Replies

Hello.

I have recently started taking methotrexate injections and since I started I have the most horrific mouth ulcers. Wondered if anyone else had the same and if it got better?

Thank you. X

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MrsC2403 profile image
MrsC2403
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12 Replies
allanah profile image
allanah

Yes, it's one of the more common side effects i believe. It did pass for me and I just used mouth gel etc initially. If it gets worse of course do give the doc a call xx if you look on the NRAS.org website theres lots of advice on mtx and other drugs x

helixhelix profile image
helixhelix

Salt water gargles, and up the folic acid to the max. Horrible things, but may go away. If not ask to change drugs. I Haven’t had any for about 8 years now.

Moog73 profile image
Moog73

Morning mrs C👋

I have the same problem and sore eyes.

Symptoms have eased a little since a started an increased dose of folic acid.

I also was taking amitriptyline which was potentially not helping.

Hope your symptoms improve, it's frustrating continually having a sore mouth, but it's the price of being able to walk.

Have a good day.

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8

Hi, sorry to hear that you are struggling atm. Folic acid increase helped me. Check with your gp or clinical nurse.

charisma profile image
charisma

Yes, MTX gives me them. Not severe but ongoing.

Other RA drugs also induce them for me though.

I take L-Methylfolate instead of Folic Acid; had to get Rheumatologist to write a letter to GP stating I had discussed this option with them and that it was my choice. Then GP could safely write my MTX prescription.

Mollieharry profile image
Mollieharry

Charisma could you please tell me the difference between l-methylfolate and folic acid if you don’t mind.i just like to know what is best for me to take.thanks.

dawkin_S profile image
dawkin_S

Yes, I had them terribly when I increased my dose - I had a big one at the back of my throat, really nasty, and some inside my lips. They did clear up though, and the GP recommended a mouth wash called Difflam which you can buy in any chemist - it really helped. I just had to eat soft and non-spicy foods while they cleared up. It felt miserable, but since they cleared up I haven't had the same bad ones again.

I *very occasionally* get 'normal' small ulcers now, but rarely and some Bonjela complete - the stuff that forms a protective skin over the ulcer - clears them up quickly.

MrsC2403 profile image
MrsC2403

Thanks everyone. I’m on one tablet of folic acid 6 days and don’t take it in day I take injection. Will keep plodding on.

Xxx

oldtimer profile image
oldtimer

The mouth ulcers were an enormous problem for me. I cleaned my teeth very carefully so that no remnants of food could be turned by the enzymes into more acid based liquid. I used an antiseptic mouth wash. I painted them with Orobase to protect them. I even tried local anaesthetic. Eventually I had to give up methotrexate. But it did help with my weight.

Such a shame as so many people do really well on methotrexate.

Mmrr profile image
Mmrr

My GP prescribed Difflam mouth wash which helped. A move from tablets to injections also helped a bit, over time the ulcers did reduce.

hatshepsut profile image
hatshepsut

Difflam every time.....Hope they clear up

Vivienham profile image
Vivienham

I've been on Methotrexate for about 9 months and have had the odd mouth ulcer until a few weeks ago when I had some nasty ones; on my inner lips and under my tongue. They are painful/sore, aren't they? Antibiotics got rid of most of them and the GP also prescribed folic acid 6 days a week (normally I take only once a week) for 2 weeks. I'll definitely try Difflam mouth wash - thank you to others for the recommendation. I hope yours are getting better MrsC2403.

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