awful mouth ulcers

[Kittykatxxxxx]

So 5 weeks into methotrexate I have developed around 6-7 nasty mouth ulcers. Has anyone had this and what should I do?The rheumatologist didn't discuss side effects with me. Thanks in advance

[lynn-bel]

Yes, I have had some of that and at the moment I have a sore tongue - as if I've bitten it badly but cant remember that I have!! Praps did it in my sleep. I dont know for sure if it's a side effect, I dont have my sheet handy but I think it may well be. I gargle with TCP if I get them and there are other things you can take to help - your local chemist may be able to help. I went to look at my sheet about side effects and can't find it! My rheumy didnt really ever go through the side effects - just gave me a sheet of information to read.

Check on the internet as I think you will see them listed there.

Mouth ulcers are awful arent they? Painful and hurts to eat, if they persist, I would check in with your GP.

Lynn x

[lynn-bel]

Hi - I just looked on the internet and yes, mouth sores are a side effect. If you have that many, I would check with your GP as he may be able to give you something more effective than an over the counter. Do you have a phone no. for a rheumy nurse who you can call, it may be your body just reacting to a new med. so may calm down and go away, but I would check with GP or nurse just to put your mind at ease (and get rid of the ulcers!)

Good luck with it. x

[helixhelix]

The mouth ulcers are horrid, and are a common side effect of MTX tablets sadly - I only started getting them after a few years on MTX not a few weeks, but they drove me nuts. Especially as they spread right down the back of my throat. mouthwashes like Eludril help, as do antiseptic throat lozenges. But the only thing that sorted them for good was switching to injectable MTX and I haven't had one since! Don't suffer in silence, but tell your rheumy team. only

[Kittykatxxxxx]

Thank you for your responses I tried the rheumatology line only open Tuesday and Wednesday grrr. Gp is totally useless so will have to ring then! Maybe an increase in folic acid will help.

[Jennysteve in reply to Kittykatxxxxx]

I'm on Folic acid I take every day apart from the day of injection,but like lots of people still get many ulcers so I don't think the increase works,I hope you can get some relief from somewhere. X

[earthwitch]

One of the reasons for taking folic acid with MTX is to stop this kind of side effect. Do you have a rheumatology nurse you can call? If not, then insist that your GP sends an urgent email to the rheumatology team to ask if you should increase your folic acid. If you can't get to talk to your GP today, ask to talk to a nurse at the surgery and get them to organise the email or phone call to rheumatology.

[summer32]

anbesol will help soothe them x

[oldtimer]

i found that it was important to keep my mouth free from any trace of food after eating to keep the pain under control. Rinsing with a mouth wash and cleaning my teeth after every bit to eat, then putting Orobase over the ulcers to cover them from the effects of the enzymes in the saliva.