Pericarditis and methotrexate

[Moon_face]

Hi, I have recurrent pericarditis which results in pericardial effusions (and cardiac tamponade!) Have been struggling to get off steroids as every time I get to 10mg, the pericarditis returns. I have just started methotrexate, with a high dose of colchicine and other medications.

Does anyone else have experience with methotrexate or steroid use with pericarditis?

[Helly75]

I'm about 4 ish weeks in with prednisolone for chronic myo pericarditis, not having a great time ,I feel awful . I'm down to 20mg now . I'd seen someone mention the symptoms return when tapering down . I'm sorry I can be of no real help ,pericarditis is so awful, sending you hugs

[Scho1]

Hi, I’ve had recurrent, chronic pericarditis with effusions now since 2006. Many cardiologists no longer prescribe steroids as tapering often results in recurrence of peri. I take colchicine, celecoxib and oramorph when the pain is at its worst. I’ve not heard of methotrexate being prescribed but hydroxychloroquine. There is a group you might like to join the UK, Eire and Channel Islands pericarditis group if you are on Facebook. One of the admins is part of a team of top cardiologists, rheumatologists and immunologists from the UK, Europe and USA, who are carrying out research into idiopathic and recurrent pericarditis.

Some members have also gone on to have pericardiectomy .