Ear infections everywhere! Coincidence?

[oKerrio]

Maybe it’s just me because I am fed up to the back teeth of reoccurring ear infections since starting RA meds! Especially middle ear ones that are taking 3 courses of antibiotics to get rid of! But just reading though a lot of posts on here it seems loads of people also suffer once on RA meds with ear infections!!! It seems like a big side effect! I know we are more prone to picking up infections on meds but just wondered why it’s always our ears! I wonder how many people have had them since the start of RA?

[sharon62]

Hi

I have been taken off methatrexate, because of an ear infection treated with several lots of antibiotics, throat sprays and nose drops, i went temporily deaf for about a week, my ears ended up bleeding , I had to see ent who said it was probably caused by methotrexate not suiting me, so i am going to try something else. Ears still arent 100 percent but a lot better.

Hope you dont have same problem.

Sharon

[Miasnana in reply to sharon62]

I was taken off sulpha due to a chronic ear infection which lasted for over 3 months and despite 6 different antibiotics. Back on sulfa now but spent most of the Xmas period in pain and some days unable to function. Taking dog for walk painful due to small joints in feet feeling like

Walking on Peebles, but am slowly get better. Hopefully the new year will bring happier days

[sharon62 in reply to Miasnana]

Hi

Can I ask how you found taking sulfasalazine as this is what they want me to try next instead of the methotrexate.

[oKerrio in reply to sharon62]

On a lower dose 1-2 tablets fine but once it was increased above that up to 6 tablets a day it was horrendous for me but everyone is different. Hopefully you won’t feel as bad if you try it.

[sharon62 in reply to oKerrio]

Thank you, I will proceed with caution then as I dont want my ear problems to return neither.

Thanks

[oKerrio in reply to Miasnana]

That’s the exact same problem I have had in my left ear every single infection it’s driving me insane the amount of time and antibiotics it’s taking to get rid of it is so frustrating! I have had fluid trapped behind my ear drum which is a horrendous feeling for over 3 months! I haven’t taken it for 6 months now and I’m still suffering the effects of it! As much as they say it not a side effect of sulfasalazine it’s got to be! A lot seem to have the same problems!

[oldtimer]

We always notice things more when we have them ourselves. I haven't noticed that lots of people have had ear infections - but then I don't usually get them either!

But seriously, if we are supressing our immune system to prevent it attacking our joints (and other bits) it is bound to reduce our ability to fend off infections that fly around especially at this time of year (and all those snotty coughing children and other relatives at Christmas!)

[Simba1992]

Some people are prone to certain kinds of infections even when not on any meds. Ear infections, UTI sinus infections being the typical ones. If we are put on immunosuppressants our possibilites to ward off these infections are lowered and therefore may become a bigger problem. Simba

[oKerrio]

I never suffered at all with them until I started this medication.

[Simba1992 in reply to oKerrio]

Perhaps then by taking mtx you found your weak spot Sorry. Simba