Shingles and Methotrexate

[Lonergan]

I’ve got shingles, should I pause taking Methotrexate?

[bubblyalex]

I am sorry I don’t know. I suspect not however no idea. I would ask your rheumy team. I hope it goes away quickly 🤞🏻

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Lonergan, welcome to the site. Sorry to hear you have shingles, can be very painful I know. Well, you should really ask your Rheumy team. Were you quick enough to get the antiviral (aciclovir)? If so then definitely halt your MTX as aciclovir with MTX can increase the risk of renal toxicity. Otherwise I think the usual advice is to halt MTX until your over the worst but, again, check with your team.

[Marionfromhappydays]

Hope you aren't feeling too bad with shingles and they go quickly.

I had them few months back and I was told by my rhemy team to stop the MTX.

I would definitely ask your team .

Take care

[Deniseelk]

I had a mild case recently ( luckily started Acivlovir within hours of finding the spots) and was told to stop my Benepali. Also, when I chatted to my rheumatology nurse about a different issue and mentioned the shingles she was very concerned and asked lots of questions and clearly added the details to my medical records so you may be wise to let your team know. Hope the shingles clears quickly.

[Brychni in reply to Deniseelk]

Me too, found that the nurse was almost hysterical about it and the GP just didn't seem to know or care. I missed one week, statrted the Aciclovir too late and ended up having a very mild case which didn't cause me any problems.

[medway-lady]

I had it on Azathyoprine and it was stopped straight away. It i painful so you have my thoughts and I hope you've got some antivirals.

[oldtimer]

The advice usually is to take an antiviral as soon as possible.The advice to stop methotrexate varies. If you have previously been able to miss some without a severe flare then it is sensible to do so. But if you are likely to have an immediate flare you may be given different advice - contact your rheumy team for specific advice for you.

[Lonergan]

Thank you all. Luckily I was able to get antiviral meds at A&E last night. I’ll check with rheumy team re methotrexate, sounds likely I will have to stop for a short while.

[medway-lady in reply to Lonergan]

Don't hesitate to use a numbing gel either once it scabs. I found Deep Freeze worked well. Mine went from middle of the back down into groin down inside of leg and back up. I was visited by medical students in hospital as rarely on the body can nerve pathways be seen and this was one. I tried topical canabis cream and it didn't work at all . The hospital made me sleep on an air bed that moved it was strange but I really got it badly. Its also worth mentioning this was in 2019 and I am prescribed Acliclovar as preventative measure still.

[Green230461]

So sorry to hear this I had it last year miserable. I was told to stop humira but hospital shouted at me for not notifying them sooner