Question

[Hulme301172]

Hi I have rheumatoid arthritis which I take meds for I have seen my doctor today and I've been given some antibiotics for cellulites so do I need to stop my tablets for my arthritis which I take until I finish the antibiotics can anyone help please thanks Michael

[Need2knowN]

Hello, is it methotrexate? If so I believe you’ve got to stop until after you complete your dose of antibiotics , ask your pharmacist to confirm though!

[Hulme301172 in reply to Need2knowN]

Hi thanks for getting back to me I will will find out about it thank you so much

[Paula-C]

I've been on antibiotics before and been told it's perfectly okay to still take my mtx, it depends on what antibiotic your taking, some antibiotics are a no no with mtx. Always best to check with hospital or pharmacist.

[Jesnaskah]

Hi!

Just as the others mentioned, it depends on what RA meds you are taking, as well as which antibiotic you have been given. There are times when you can take both simultaneously, and times when you cannot, so it is very important to ask your doctor as soon as possible.

Also, just a side note, I've read and my rheumy had confirmed this as well, the Fluoroquinolones antibiotics, such as ciprofolxacin (Cipro) can cause more joint pain. So anytime I am prescribed an antibiotic, I try to get a different type, like keflex. Unfortunately, sometimes depending on the ailment, you need to take a certain type to treat the specific bacteria.

Good luck!

[AgedCrone]

if you are on Mtx...did the doctor who prescribed the antibiotics know you are on it? If so he/she SHOULD have known which Antibiotic was suitable.

As a general rule when prescribed AB's always ask the prescribing doctor if they are compatible with any other drugs you are taking.

A couple of times my regular pharmacist has spotted that new meds I have been prescribed were a No No with meds I was already taking...but I always use the same pharmacist so she has my list of meds......another pharmacist would not have known this.

To avoid upsets, or even a possibly dangerous outcome, ALWAYS check that any new drug is not contraindicated with your regular meds. Your doctor will not mind you asking.......

[Julies49]

No you don’t need to stop them only if you feel very unwell

[dbestdeb]

Depends on which drug you’re on. My dr said when on antibiotics I am not to take azathioprine or Enbrel injection. She said it makes no sense to take an immune suppressant when you are taking antibiotics to fight an infection.