New to this forum

[Dexmarc]

Hi everyone! I have had Rheumatoid Arthritis since 1992. My mother also had it and was diagnosed at the age of 38. I also have fibromyalgia. I am currently taking a 40 mg dose of Humira every two weeks, oral methotrexate (8 tablets) every week, and folic acid.

I have been experiencing extremely dry sinuses, dry eyes and very dry nose which is also very painful. Has anyone who takes the same medications as I do experienced these same problems?

[Shalf]

Hi Dexmarc

Welcome.

I was on MTX a while back now. I have RA and Fibromyalgia. I also have Sjogrens syndrome and have been told the cause is due to the Immune System not functioning properly rather than the meds.

I am taking Evening Primrose which is helping. This was suggested by a Professor of Dentistry.

Ask your Rheumy or helpline and/or GP for their advice as the cause of dryness could be something else.

It's a very irritating thing to have.

I hope you get an actual diagnosis to allow for treatment.

Keep us posted.

Suzie xx

[Dexmarc in reply to Shalf]

Thank you so much for your reply and advice.

[rab1874]

Hi and welcome to the forum, I’ve got RA had it coming up 5 years and am on the same meds except I take mtx injections, I get very dry eyes and take drops and gel at nights which help and also sinus problems. as they say it’s not only the illness we have to deal with it’s the complications as well

[Dexmarc in reply to rab1874]

Thank you for your comment. Yes, this is what my rheumatologist told me. I have saline drops but I will try the gel.

[NeonkittyUK]

Hi Dexmarc, I did take Humira a few years back but didn't have dry nose/sinuses then but I do now and have had since having Rituximab infusions. Also I believe that Fentanyl transdermal patches can dry your nose out too, and do with me. It's not always bone dry but can be during the night. My GP said to put a little Vaseline in each nostril with a cotton bud before bed and it has soothed my nostrils. I also read that Sesame oil (there is a product called Nozoil) is excellent for naturally lubricating the nostrils. I also use Sterimar .. a seawater/salt nasal mist/spray for sinuses .. During the day. All completely natural. As both sesame oil and sea salt are natural products I'm not recommending any drugs to you as such and wouldn't dream of that, so not going against what the admins have asked people here not to do. However, not everything suits all and I'm allergic to many things and you may be too, so YES, do tell your GP/Rheumy about your dryness. They can examine you and recommend what to do. Both mine recommended the sesame oil and Sterimar when I said I hadn't got any result from the prescribed alternative. Your doc can have a look into your nose to see if you have any soreness as you will need to be careful what you put in the nose if you have. The winter weather makes the nose dry out horribly too. Hope you can find a solution soon to this.

[Dexmarc in reply to NeonkittyUK]

Thank you so much for your suggestions. I will certainly try them.

[NeonkittyUK in reply to Dexmarc]

Just please check with your pharmacist if not doctor about them. I also know that a dry bedroom from central heating (Even if not kept on during the night which I never do!) especially at this time of year is not helpful to the sinuses and blocks them more. I'm a big fan of old fashioned steam (and some favourite essential oil drops in he steam mug etc) to help clear the nasal passages. Obviously can't do it at work easily or on the move but at home it's good. Good luck.