Dry cough on methotrexate.

[aramire1]

I started taking methotrexate in November. I got a bad cold the end of December and have had a nagging cough ever since. It’s a dry cough and just like a tickle in my throat that makes me cough. I thought at first it was hanging around from my cold but now wondering if it’s from the mtx. Anyone else experience that?? I have an appt with my rheumy on Tuesday. Thanks!

[helixhelix]

Great that you've got an appointment tomorrow as getting rheumy to check it is best thing to do. Did you have a chest X-ray before you started MTX so doctor has a baseline to compare against?

I have a long history of lung problems so was nervous about MTX. However each time I've had problems like coughs that won't go and breathlessness and it's been checked out it's been fine. But I'm glad I was checked out....

[Nettac]

Yes, best to get that checked out. I had a similar problem on sulfasalazine. Awful cough, so much so I was sent for a chest xray. Turned out the sulfasalazine just didn't suit me...had all sorts of issues with it. Took about six weeks after stopping drug before cough finally went.

I'm now on methotrexate and so far so good.

Hope it sorts itself out soon. Always best to have these things checked out.

[Lottiemoocat]

Have been on methotrexate for 10years,and it has helped me a great deal. But if I get a cough(especially non productive)or a sore throat, I was advised to ring my doc,and he will put me on anti biotics. I don't need an appt,I speak to the receptionist and my doc calls me. Have chat with your rheum tomo. Good luck. Take care. x

[nomoreheels]

With MTX anything relating to the lungs that's been around a while should be reported so do mention it to your Rheumy tomorrow. It's known that MTX can affect the lungs, this is why we have a chest X-ray before we start it, so your Rheumy may wish to have a repeat chest X-ray taken, to use as comparison & just to be sure or rule out any MTX involvement.

I have historical lung problems (spontaneous pneumothorax, twice) but thankfully MTX has never affected them, that's in 8 years of taking it, though my Rheumy is aware of it, in fact lists it on each correspondence. My GP is obviously aware too & she prescribes antibiotics as needed when I have a cold as it invariably goes on my chest. She sees it as precautionary.

Hopefully it will just be a lingering cough following your cold, more likely being a 'dry, non productive' cough, but it's always best to get things like this checked out by our Rheumy when on MTX.

[Missharris69]

I had the same problem for a while . My advice is to have your flu jab it dose help.

[aramire1 in reply to Missharris69]

I had my flu shot last fall...in a nurse so it’s basically required. My rheumy didn’t think it was a MTX cough...he things it’s just lingering from my cold and just that time of year. Told me to call if it gets worse and they would do a chest X-ray.