Methotrexate and bladder problems

[chungy111]

Just wanted to ask everyone if they have experienced bladder problems whilst taking methotrexate. My son has recently had his dose upped to 15mg a week but has noticed bladder problems since

Thanks in advance

[spzgirl51]

hello chungy111 ,

I have had bladder problems while on methotrexate. both with increased urgency and frequency. I have also had a small amounts of blood found in my urine when tested. I was referred to a urologist to check it out and he reassured me they get a lot of 'folks on methotrexate' as he said.

I would talk to your Gp and rheumatology nurse? I think the methotrexate sensitizes the bladder. I now have to be careful what I eat and drink but it definiteIy helps control symptoms. I am still taking the same quantity of methotrexate.

Best wishes xx

[chungy111 in reply to spzgirl51]

Eating and drinking wise what did u find helped x

[spzgirl51 in reply to chungy111]

Hello @chungy111,

I found eating blueberries helped initially They really helped with urgency feelings.

Then, I found a list of food labelled as possible bladder irritants and bladder calming foods.

This is the bladder friendly food list I found on the internet. ichelp.org/wp-content/uploa... (interstitial cystitis) It is an american site .

It is all trial and error? I ate a lot of scrambled egg and mushrooms because that worked for me.

After a while eating bladder calming foods really helped and I could be a bit more relaxed with what I ate and didn't need to be so worried about being near a loo.

I drink water or milk and avoid lots of sugary and carbonated drinks. I have to choose decaffeinated or caffeine free drinks. But I tend to be a bit cautious.

Also, I avoid acidic food; strawberries, raspberries and large amounts of tomatoes. The urologist said to avoid artificial sweeteners too.

Luckily for me , chocolate seems ok as long as I don't go mad.

I am not sure if at is all placebo? but I know strawberries are a definite no go for me now.

I hope some elements of this will help your son too. I am sorry if I went into too much detail?

Good luck xx

[chungy111 in reply to spzgirl51]

Thank u so much for your help.

[Joya_banerjee1 in reply to spzgirl51]

Good advice! I will try some food suggested on the website.

Thanks

Joya

[Joya_banerjee1 in reply to spzgirl51]

I think you are right. On hindsight , I think this has caused my bladder problem .

I was taking this drug for the past 14 years. Two years ago had to have surgery for bladder prolapse and keep on getting UTI infections. My incontinence symptoms are worse than before.

However, I did not connect this until you pointed out.

Many thanks and I wish your son has the right course of medication

Good luck !

Joya

[Jackadoodle]

Just a suggestion, what about MTX injections?

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I too am on Methotrexate and suffer with bladder problems. I need to go every couple of hours, or less, and often feel as though I am desperate to pee then don't go at all! I often get up 3 times at night. As I have difficulty in getting off the loo without a raised seat and a frame round the loo, I am often worried about going out for too long.