Methotrexate Injections

[Splinters50]

i read that we are not to have injections while on methotrexate, so what about the vaccine for coronavirus, do we or dont we.

regards x

[Niao]

I'm new to methotrexate but am pretty sure it is just the live vaccines we can't have. I just had the flu and pneumonia vaccines for the very first time.I'm still unclear as to which, if any ,of the Covid vaccines might be live , or if this first approved one is ok for us but I think it is.

[nomoreheels]

We can have vaccinations when on MTX if that's what you're meaning, that is as long as it's not a live vaccine. Both regular flu & pneumonia vaccines are fine. It's sometimes recommended we miss MTX the week we have the flu or pneumonia vaccine, others don't bother so it may be the same but, as ever, take the advice of whoever let's you know you're having it or your Rheumatologist. I believe neither the Oxford/Astra/Zeneca are live vaccines. Given that the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is given in 2 doses, 3 weeks apart, it's not ideal to stop/start MTX so we need clarification on that. I've not heard definitively though, just to be clear.

[Pippy25]

May be a call to your consultant, a rheumy nurse or GP to clarify as they may be the best port of call to answer especially with it being a new vaccine. Hope you find out so that you can make the best decision for you. As others have said in time other vaccines will hopefully be available too and we may have a range that suits different needs. It's all a learning curve for us isn't it right now. Take care x

[Bopeep12]

On consultant advice a live vaccine is ok. I'm currently going through this process and still ok to continue with MTX. I want the vaccine asap but will need rheumatologist advice first.

[Happy5]

Take MTX injections never stop them when I have the yearly flu jab.

[cathie]

There’s all sorts of injections so you need to check with gp or rheumatologist whether you’re ok.

[RheumST]

This is nonsense. None of my doctors ever said this. I'm on injected methatrexate and just got a Flu Vaccine injection from my Primary Care MD PhD, who knows more than most doctors. In fact he is the only one who knows prices of drugs and without asking always gives advice on the best way to save meds costs.

Whoever gave you this information is a total idiot and I would never listen to them just about anything.

Misinformation is dangerous, and undermines everyone's health.

Dan

[MJSlide1958 in reply to RheumST]

Hi, Your MD Phd person. Would he know the effects of having to keep changing the brands of Methotrexate tablets. This is what happens at present, not all Pharmacists carry the same MTX tablet brands. eg: Matrex by Pfizer, Orion and so on?? would be an idea to know whether changing brands can affect the way MTX works? Thanks

[AgedCrone]

Who told you that?Are you sure they didn’t say you cannot have a live vaccine?

I think all of us who have been on Mtx have our influenza vaccinations every year and I wouldn’t imagine the coronavirus vaccination will be any different.

But as your vaccination will presumably be offered by your GP...he will know your clinical history....and once he has all the information on the vaccine he will be using.....he will know whether you can have it.

[MadBunny]

I'm on mtx and Cimzia biologic and I have a flu jab every year. I've never stopped either before and after but my rheum nurse was saying yesterday it's recommended to do so as it helps the vaccine to work more effectively.Only mtx though not Cimzia.She also said I'll be ok to have a covid vaccine if it's not a live one but I must not have one without checking with rheumatology first- I assume that's due to the Cimzia

[MJSlide1958 in reply to MadBunny]

Hi, Please may I ask if Cimzia is working ok? Did you have to change from another Biologic? Thanks

[Soulfulreader]

I think it’s probably best to check with your rheumatology nurse or consultant. I’m pretty sure my nurse said I couldn’t have live vaccines though. Im not sure if this batch of Covid vaccines is live or not 🤷🏾‍♀️