MTX with a cold

[Stacey444]

Stopped mtx last Monday because I had dental surgery on Tuesday. Woke up Wednesday with sore throat that turned into a cough and a sinus issue. Called rheumy on Friday to find out if I should withhold mtx again this week due to illness and they told me to withhold mtx and call primary about possible infection. Called primary and they thought I was crazy for calling them about a tc that they did not prescribe. I hate this - tonight is the night I should take my mtx but I am not going to take it until the cough goes away. But, nobody mentioned the folic acid. Should I stop that too? How many weeks can I go without taking my mtx? I had to build up to where I am at - do I just start where I left off? I just wish I could get answers without doctors making me feel like I am a problem for them. Anyone have any input?

[Stacey444]

Sorry - meant to say that primary did not know why I called them about a prescription that they did not issue.

[ruth_p]

I think your rheumatologist wanted you to see your primary to see if you had an infection. They don’t usually say to stop the mtx for a cough and cold unless you develop an infection or the cough is persistent for a number of weeks. As for the folic acid I don’t know 🤔

[Hidden]

Hi Stacey, did you explain you are immune compromised and your rheumatologist is concerned you may have an infection? I really think your doctor should check you out. If all clear I can't see any reason to withold Mtx. Even with a cold I've always been told to take it anyway. I was only told to stop if it was a persistent infection which needed a 2nd round of antibiotics. Of course that was me and you should be advised on this by your own doctor. Hope you feel better soon x

Edited as didn't answer fully....I've always restarted Mtx at my usual dose if stopped for any reason. I only take folic acid when using mtx but not on the same day. Again be guided by your doctor and don't be fobbed off.

[AgedCrone]

Try speaking to your pharmacist...they are far more clued up on RA drugs than the average GP...& will be able to see if your condition looks as if you need GP apt.

Did you speak to a medically qualified person at your GP? If the receptionist just told you without consulting anybody I'd take the pharmacist's advice as to whether to book a GP Appoinment.

Wish you better.

[Hidden]

NB re folic acid. OH is stopping mtx post op incase he gets infection. (Different Drs have different views on this one) We asked re folic acid. Response was it doesn't matter either way. Its only a vitamin.

[Gnarli]

Good advice already given by others re MTX so can't add anything. However, the British government have been discussing adding folic acid to flour to reduce the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida. As Norisa said, it's only a vitamin. Hugs

J

[Stacey444]

Thanks everyone. The day I called my GP office they had a nurse call me back and she said “sounds like you have a virus”. I said “ so does that mean I do not have an infection and can continue my mtx?” She said “ no, a virus is an infection and sounds like your rheumy does not want you taking the mtx while you have an infection”. So it sounds like they are all leaving it up to me to decide when I no longer have an infection that I may or may not have. This nonsense is only going to get worse because they are in the process of starting me on Himira. Oh fun! What is the longest any of you had to stop your mtx treatment for illness?