Horrible reaction to Mosquito bites while taking Methotrexate

[Kstewart]

Has anyone experienced horrible reactions to mosquito bites while taking Methotrexate?

[Crusee]

Hi Kstewart

Dont know if this was coincidence or down to having mtx injections .I hadnt connected th two,until I saw your post just now.

Three years ago I was on holiday in Cyprus when one evening my keft arm started to itch.It Soon became hot and within an hour it was very painful,hot and red.I had bern scratching so hard I had broken the skin.Overnight the pain was awful and I had difficulty getting dressed the next morning.

I went to the docs abroad and he said he wasn't 100 % sure what it was .but was thought it was an insect bite gone septic. He prescribed some cream to,put on it .He didnt give me painkillers as the ones I have for my RA are quite strong anyway.

I didnt tell him I was on mtx jabs it never occurred to me,so perhaps it is quite possible that mtx does cause a reaction.Sorry I cant be more definate in my response but it got me thinking..

To make sure contact your surgery or rheumy nurse for confirmation of that and some best advice on how to treat it.

Hope it gets better soon it looks quite sore and itchy.

Take care.

Crusee

XX

[Kerina]

I had a bite on back On my way! Calf last summer. My leg went bright red and hot and the pain was also in calf muscle. My leg was very swollen from knee to ankle. Gp gave me high dose antibiotics for two weeks and said it had got infected and had cellulitis. Stopped taking mtx whilst taking antibiotics. Was better in just over a week but still have the scar.

I think as mtx lowers the immune system it just makes anything more susceptible to infection. That's why we need medical advice about infections.

Hope it feels better soon x

[RA22345]

I never made the connection either but have had had several nasty reactions to bites whilst taking methotrexate, not as severe as those recorded by others here, but bites which remained sore for several weeks and have left scars. I always have antihistamines and bite cream with me to try and minimise effects and use repellent as well as plugin deterrent whilst travelling.

[Hidden]

I wonder if the same applies to humira? When on holiday in Egypt I counted 32 mosquito bites on my left left from the knee down, I was given antihistamines and antibiotics for the infection and swelling. It was a nightmare. This was while also covering mys led in deet! My partner had one bite, so maybe it was the meds?

[wotshernameagain]

That happened to me also when I went to cancun a few years ago. I never had a problem with bites before The doctor prescribe me some antihistamines luckily I had some with me as I get bad hayfever. Now I always make sure I pack extra when I travel

[James53]

Methotrexate lowers immune system so any infection including bites can be much worse than previously. If in doubt get it checked to ensure you can continue taking meds. May need to stop them until cleared up.

[summer32]

i now only go to countries with no mosquitos due to having bad reactions

[GillianK]

Yes! Just got back from a holiday and I have never had reactions like it. Big hot swollen red wheals, painful itchy. Took antihistamine for a week but ran out and had more bites. They are so sore