From Anya

[Mattsdog1]

Hi I am knew to this and on methotrexate as I have rheumatoid arthritis, have not taken meds this week as have a cough I which is not too bad at the moment but had a really bad cough all last winter and it made my prolapse worse, I read too that taking methotrexate and a cough can be bad, so I will have to monitor it and ring Rheumy nurse if it gets worse, then I would probably have to go for X-ray, I haven’t been travelling either so not thinking it’s coving 19 up to now.

Has anyone had any experience of a cough with methotrexate?

Good health to you all

[KittyJ]

I don’t usually stop mtx for a cough. Did your rheumy tell you to do this? Hopefully you won’t suffer too much if you’re only off it for a week 😊

[Mattsdog1 in reply to KittyJ]

No they didn’t but I am always reading about this condition and the cough got really bad and I told them I was stopping taking it last year and they didn’t try and force me😊

[KittyJ in reply to Mattsdog1]

They can’t force you, no and they won’t try to 😊 it’s always a good idea to discuss with your rheumy if you’re unwell or unsure. I hope you feel better soon x

[Mattsdog1 in reply to KittyJ]

Hi well I don’t feel any worse. Last year the cough was worse and I felt the methotrexate was causing it as I read up about it but really appreciate your concern and hope you’re ok. X

[KittyJ in reply to Mattsdog1]

I’m fine thankyou 😊 glad you’re not any worse x

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome.ultimately the choice is yours. I’m a fellow sufferer where coughs are concerned and totally understand prolapse problems( always raise its head when I’m coughing).

What kind of cough? Chesty cough needs to be checked by Gp as does a persistent cough. Is it a tickle cough worse when you lie down? This could be reflux methotrexate can make this worse. If you have no other symptoms I personally would take methotrexate. If your still worried chat to clinic nurse they can advise you.. with this virus it’s a worrying time.

[Mattsdog1 in reply to Hidden]

Hi it’s a bit tickly sometimes and I do get a bit of reflux and I’ll continue to monitor it hope you’re ok and thanks for your concern x

[AgedCrone]

Always discuss stopping and starting any prescribed medicines with your doctor.

[Mattsdog1 in reply to AgedCrone]

Thanks and hope you’re ok x

[AgedCrone in reply to Mattsdog1]

I’m fine thank you......keeping busy &:hoping for the best, 👩‍💼

[Bmcfall]

Hello. First time poster here. I have been on MTX for about 5 months with a dose increase about 2 months ago. Shortly after my dose increase I developed a cough with no other symptoms - no runny nose, no allergies, no shortness of breath, no wheezing. I did some research and became concerned with MTX pneumonitis. I discussed with my rheumy who ordered chest X-ray and labs. These ruled out pneumonitis. My GP prescribed antibiotic thinking it was a light infection of some sort, no avail. Next step was increasing reflux meds.... still nothing. After suffering for nearly two months my family also began doing research and found that; in addition to pneumonitis, MTX may also cause a dry persistent cough which affects the airway rather than the lungs. This was my conclusion and I requested to my rheumy to come off MTX. I started leflunomide today and hoping the cough lessens as the MTX comes out of my system. What a miserable time to have a nagging cough with everyone thinking it’s covid! Best wishes to getting answers for yourself!