Voiceless - info needed!

[Susanbet]

Feeling very sorry for myself. Have completely lost voice and have flu symptons. So much for flu jab! Doctor put me on amoxicillin two days ago.

Forgot to ask about taking my methotrexate which is due sunday. So unless i drag myself to surgery, with pen and paper, am not sure what to do! Can anyone give me some advice.

[helixhelix]

Did Doc know that you were on MTX when he/she prescribed amoxillin? The question of MTX & antibiotics is a very individual thing, as from discussions on here it seems there are a number of variables and some docs say you can carry on and some say you can't. I guess it depends on how strong you are, how aggressive your RA is, and which antibiotic you're being prescribed. But means that I think short answer is that you'd better check with your doc. Do they not have an email account that you could use to ask questions? Or a friendly neighbour who could phone for you? Polly

[sylvi]

Susan, when i was ill over xmas i was told not to take mtx,there should be enough in your system to cover you for a week. As Polly says check with gp.

I had to have 2 courses of antibiotics, and my doctor today confirmed that i had had a touch of pneumonia,so rest well and stay in bed in the warm.

Hope you soon are on the mend from your flu.

Sylvi.xx

[Hidden]

I agree with Sylvi. A week off MTX won't harm, and will give your immune system a chance to help you recover.

I had constant throat infections and antibiotics, and the GP told me to have a break from MTX.

Have lots to drink and lots of rest.

All the best!

[Hidden]

I've always been told to not take my mthx when I've had any form off infection otherwise it will take your body.longer to recover x Take care

Julie x

[Susanbet]

Thanks for your replies. I have text my daughter who is contacting rhemmy nurse at my hospital for advice. Dont think i could deal with the effects of my usual 10 tablets and feeling so rough from flu. Hopefully will soon be up the up!

[susanh]

I was told that if you have an infection and you are taking antibiotics you should leave the methotrexate white you are on the drugs to give your immume system a chance. I suggest you ask your RA nurse

Get better soon

Susanh

[Hidden]

Hope you got an answer Susan and get better soon.

[Beth58]

Hi

We now have much more information about the effects and contra-indications of DMARD's on the body and side effects when taken with other medications. Some antibiotics can slow the bodies (kidneys) ability to remove MTX from your system thereby increasing the amount of MTX in your body.

My doctors view is; As we take a low dose of DMARD's most antibiotics will make no difference, though occasionally with stronger antibiotics in high doses the side effects can increase and extra blood monitoring may be warranted.

I take Leflunomide and have been on antibiotics repeatedly for infections in the gums. I always check with my pharmacist just to be sure. So far no problems.

The warnings we see are mainly for people on higher doses for cancer/rejection treatments.

Beth xx

[LavendarLady]

Hi there, I was told the same as Beth. As we take a very low dose of MTX, the antibiotics don't react. If we took the large doses that cancer patients have to, then we would not be allowed Amoxicillen or any of those drugs. My GP did put me onto a different anti biotic which does not interact with the MTX at all and is safe.

I had 2 months on antibiotics (4 lots) with the infected tooth and had no problems with the MTX at all.

Check with your GP if you are worried at all. LavendarLady x

[cathie]

Just a couple of things.

Apparently the flu jab only protects you from about 60% of infections so you can still get flu if the vaccine doesn't include the particular one you're exposed to.

I asked my doctor specifically about taking antibiotics + methotrexate and she said that some antibiotics aren't advisable with mtx but that usually there's a warning on the computer when they try to prescribe. As Beth and LLady say, our doses of mtx are quite low so it shouldn't arise.

I suppose its better to check with the pharmacist as well, better to be safe isn't it.

XX Cathie

[Hidden]

Always best to check with your local healthcare professional.. they often differ in their views.. amoxicillin ( a penicillin) reduces the amount of methotrexate excreted by the body therefore increasing its toxicity!.. some gps advise stopping methotrexate whilst some including mine whilst I was on it thought I wouldnt come to any harm for a week dispite my own reservations!! you can only be guided by your own gp etc..

Trimethroprim is best avoided however.