MTX & chickenpox!!

My granddaughter has been staying with us for the weekend & has come out with chickenpox, I'm on MTX should I be concerned?!!

[helixhelix]

Speak to GP or rheumy team first thing on Monday.... This is from arthritis research website, and they are a trustworthy site

you haven’t had chickenpox and you come into contact with someone who has chickenpox or shingles, or you develop chickenpox or shingles.

Chickenpox and shingles can be severe in people on treatments that affect the immune system such as methotrexate. You may need antiviral treatment, which your doctor will be able to prescribe. Your methotrexate will be stopped if you do develop chickenpox or shingles and restarted when you’re better.

- See more at: arthritisresearchuk.org/art...

[cathie]

The website alert is worth following up. You can get a vaccine against shingles - free on NHS for over 70s. Officially they dont like you to have it if you're on biologics, but my GP was prepared to give it to me. Worth looking into.

[Hidden]

Hello

Have you had chicken post if not, keep away,

Sometimes MTX will cause a dose of the chicken pox

BOB

[hatshepsut]

Definitely need to see GP asap

[emmajj1971]

Contact your gp or rhumy nurse for advice best to be sure.xxx

[watcher56]

I found myself in the same situation so I got a tel consultation with a GP at my surgery. I said I clearly remembered my daughter having chicken pox and could I assume I was immune. She said I should have my immunity checked, which came back ok. Best to be safe.

[Hidden]

Well I got to finally talk to my rheumy nurse (first time I've contacted her - didn't know I had one until recently!!)

I've just been told to watch out for shingles or chickenpox & to contact my GP for antivirals.