Cocodamol & methotrexate

[gilox]

Hello, have been in remission for several months,but have been flaring badly so saw consultant,he has put me on prednisone & methotrexate, can I still take a occasional cocodamol?

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Gillian. That must be so disappointing after being in remission. We can't say if you could take co-codamol unfortunately as we're not medically qualified & obviously don't know whether it could be contraindicated for you or not. You're new to both meds so probably don't know yet how your liver is responding to them (both MTX & pred are metabolised in the liver). As co-codamol is also metabolised in the liver the risk could be hepatoxicity.

I can however say that I'm on MTX (20mg by injection), take prednisolone (3mg) & take co-codamol (30mg/500mg x 2 4 times a day). Please bear in mind though that this is only as directed by my Rheumy for me, my LFT's are fine, I don't drink either so that probably helps somewhat. Bottom line is you should ask the prescriber of your meds if you can take co-codamol with your meds, he'll know if your liver values are ok.

[gilox in reply to nomoreheels]

Thank you, I have been on methotrexate before, but was a while ago, ( had Humira briefly) but side effects were terrible! The reason I asked about co- codamol was that I had a knee replacement 6 months ago although it was one of the best things ever I’m still prone to pain at night which is really impacting on my day to day activities, I find if I take one before bed I do sleep better! Once again thank you so much & will have to call the rheumy office on Monday.

[nomoreheels in reply to gilox]

Co-codamol really do help me, &, fingers crossed, they don't seem to have lost their effect given I've taken them a good few years now. I hope should you have any side effects this time they're tolerable. You probably know having been on MTX before that, if you've not started on them, injections often come with fewer side effects, as does increasing your folic acid if you're started on them less than 6 days.

I wonder what's causing your night time pain? Just a thought & I may be wrong but do you tend to wear the same shoes each day? It's only I'm between winter shoes at the mo, waiting on some Timberlands (for support) & been wearing my old high tops & one of my knees, the one that swells easily, is constantly troubling me. Hate losing sleep as I’m fortunate & it's rarely broken but it is at the mo. Anyway I hope you have nothing but positive results from MTX & it gets you back to remission. 😊

[Hidden in reply to nomoreheels]

same as you nomoreheels no issues with co co and metx but we are all different!

[gilox]

Thank you! Have decided to call rheumy on Monday! X

[IslandLife53]

Hi gilox! Medications, combining specific meds and then supplements; it’s overwhelming! And, it takes time because not everyone is the same. The doctors may have to tweak the “recipe.” I can only share with you “my story” in hopes it may help. Some of the issues are proven medical facts. However, as in many cases; the researchers may not know the long term after effects even for a short time use.

I was diagnosed with severe plaque psoriasis 46 years ago; it was oozing. That was the beginning of my prednisone history. I had asthma just about all of my life (my poor mom)! Inhalers finally were introduced but no warnings as to the steroid other than to rinse your mouth out. It goes on to the present time with additional diagnosis of RA, PsA and OA. Prednisone in varying forms and doses continue. But, now I have “gut” issues and a CT of my lower abdomen was done. Part of my pancreas is dead (atrophy) primarily due to prednisone use. Additionally; I must be monitored for auto-immune diabetes because of the condition of my pancreas. It is not reversible.

So, that is my story on prednisone....it’s too late but perhaps this writing will inform others. I hope. BTW, one other medication Topamax (Topiramate) prescribed for epilepsy (off label use for neuropathy, fibromyalgia, to settle down nerve-endings) can impair one’s memory and vocabulary retrieval. It was thought that once a patient is weaned off Topamax; that those negative side effects will go away. This is not true! Recent research is now showing that those effects may be long-term. I am a perfect example! Always double check with your physician regarding side effects, do not discontinue prescribed medication without consulting with your doctor AND research several sources on your own.

Best to All of You! YOU are your best advocate!

[gilox in reply to IslandLife53]

Hello there! What a story you have had! Such a great read, I consider myself to be so very lucky in that although quite sore at times,my RA is quite mild although the last few weeks have been painful,this flare has left me with only a damaged little finger, & a very stiff thumb😊I see people at the clinic who were diagnosed pre chemo drugs &some of them are wheelchair bound. I have taken your advice & thank you so much for your reply. Wishing you some painfree days.

[IslandLife53]

Hi Gilox, of course everyone is unique and has different reactions to meds, combinations of meds and doses, treatments....I have always described my psoriasis, PsA and RA as “smart” because they are in constant flux and they transmute making treatment options creative. I can share with you that I have taken MTX for 20+ years, along with 5-10 mgs of prednisone for a flare up. I’ve safely taken pain medications as well but opiates/narcotics but they were prescribed for lower back pain, neurological issues, not for arthritis aches and pains. As always, double check everything with your docs. My experience with the meds you mentioned has been successful and safe. I no longer take RX pain medications. The very best to you!