Chest infections

[Ninaseven]

I’m on methotrexate, plaquline, and arcoxia. Along with some other minor meds. I seem to be getting chest infections on a regular basis. Since June I’m on my 4th. Has anyone experienced this on these drugs. I also get the mouth ulcers so bad that I’m out on antibiotics. Would love to hear if this is common. Thx.

[Ann2020]

All the ra drugs lower your immune system functions, by destroying cells which are involved with fighting infection and cancer. Autoimmune diseases are by definition, an overactive immune system. You should ask yourself, if you’re in a better situation taking all these harmful meds which cause other problems, or if you could get by by doing other more natural and less harmful treatments. I personally don’t think it’s worth it.

[hatshepsut]

One of the worst problems with RD is that medication takes a long time to become effective. It also suppresses the immune system, so you are more at risk of picking up infections. Might be a good idea to speak to your rheumatology nurse to check that nothing else is going on, or your gp.

Mouth ulcers are a curse, I have found difflam mouthwash is great for them, my clinic actually give it out when they become problematic.

Don't give up, there are always teething problems with meds....I am sure you will get through this difficult time, and begin to feel more in control.

[Ninaseven in reply to hatshepsut]

I’m back with RA specialist on 31 of Oct. I’ve been out of country when I’ve had these so it will be interesting to see what he thinks of the French doctors notes. Thanks for reply.

[nomoreheels]

When you have a chest infection is it bad enough to be in medicated with antibiotics? If so have you stopped your MTX to give the a better chance to clear your chest? Whichever antibiotic I have for a bacterial infection I always stop my MTX until the course is finished, though there are some which should never be coprescribed anyway, penicillins trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole. What does your Rheumy say about your recurrent chest infections? Has he not had chest x-rays taken to see what's going on lung wise?

Mouth ulcers are a common side effect of MTX, because of how it works on cells unfortunately it can cause them in some people, it can be dose dependent too. Usually an increase in folic acid helps so if you're on any less than 6 days of 5mg let your Rheumy know.

[Joy_1]

Hi

I was diagnosed in 2012. In the early days (first couple of years) I got 2 horrid chest infections and lots of colds. After 2 years the number of cold bugs dramatically subsided and (touch wood) I have not had anymore chest infections either. Are you in the early days of treatment?

I too am on MTX and HCQ. I had horrendous mouth ulcers, they were worse than having RA!!

I solved it with swilling saline (salty water) round my mouth 5 times a day. I actually would just hold the saline in my mouth for 1 min rather than swilling it around as it was too painful. After 2 weeks the ulcers were gone. After that I found that 2 days after taking my MTX the ulcers would start again so I would quickly repeat the saline regime for 48hrs and that solved it. Eventually after about 4 months (I think) the mouth ulcers did not attempt to return.

Now they only rear their ugly heads when I am run down - but if you are quick with the saline then you can knock them on the head before they get going.

It was my local pharmacist who told me to give it a go and not waste money on mouthwashes etc. He said the reason is your immune system is suppressed (as we know) and one of the areas that has a lot so bugs is your mouth.

Joy

[dbestdeb]

Talk to your doctor. I take different immune suppressant drugs, but my doctor told me to stop them for a few days if I am feeling sick, to give my body a chance to fight the illness. I hope you feel better.