Vaccine and MTX

[Spaniellady]

Hi guys, I've just had the Pfizer vaccination. I'm supposed to inject MTX tomorrow. I just wanted to check if anyone had been advised if we are supposed to carry on with the MTX as normal or miss a week? Many thanks, hx

[Thingybob]

I had the astra zeneca vaccine and the rheumy dept said carry on as usual . I inject 20mg . But check with your rheumy is my advice .

[helixhelix]

There is no consistency! Which is understandable as we are all different, with different health backgrounds and disease activity. So need to get advice for you.

I was told to pause for a week, which I have done. Others habe been told to keep going.

I am in stable remission so the risk of missing a week causing me any problems is so small, that it was very much worth the chance of a week’s break improving my response to the vaccine. So was happy to follow rheumy’s advice.

[Boxerlady]

There was a message on my rheumy nurse helpline saying to continue with all medications as normal except for Rituxifan (sp?) in which case, check with them; it seemed that they didn't want too many enquiries so I didn't leave a message. I had the Pfizer jab this afternoon and usually do my Methotrexate injection on a Friday; I'm considering missing one dose as my joints are good atm and there have been some suggestions that it might improve responses to the jab. Also, I quite fancy a week off from the fuzzy head! This is just my personal take on it - the advice is that everyone should check with their rheumy.

[Pinkypie2018]

I was advised to miss two weeks and if I feel like I'm flaring to ring for advice. But others have been told to continue their meds so it is best to check with your own consultant.

[springcross]

Hi Spaniellady. I checked with Rheumatology if I should still do my Metoject injection last Saturday afternoon as I was having the vaccine late morning the same day. I was told to go ahead with the MTX as normal and that it was fine. On Monday I had a complimentary copy of a letter the nurse sent to my GP confirming our conversation and stating that they are not advising patients to withhold any DMARD the day of the vaccination. Of course, that may differ to what other people have been told.

[agnes-D]

Hi, just spoke to consultant yesterday and he says to continue jabs as normal. I am on methotrexate and benapali. Good luck.

[Hidden]

I took mine as normal with the Pfizer vaccine x

[cpt13]

I would miss a week. I took my MTX a few days after having the Pfizer vaccine and I did not feel so good for a few days.

[Subeyk]

I had Pfizer and was told to leave off meds for two weeks after, but only as it would give vaccine head start. I am only going to wait a week as getting RA symptoms back already. We need to stay well so I think from reading others posts you don’t necessarily need to stop the meds at all.

[SEAgran3]

Hi, was told by my rheumatologist not to inject two days before or 8 days after. Due for vaccine tomorrow, so didn’t shoot up today.

[Pulfs]

I had the Oxford vaccine and decided not to inject methotrexate as it was due on the same day. This was a personal decision as the injection usually affects me for a couple of days and didn’t want to confuse any reaction I may have got from vaccine. As it was my reaction to vaccine was feeling hot sore arm and very tired but I’m ok now x

[RUSTY750]

After checking with consultant and nurses at rheumatology I went with MTX jab Tuesday night (normally wed.) PFIZER yesterday and COSENTYX tonight.. also checked with nurses at the Vaccination clinic.. all good so far..

[oldtimer]

The advice varies as the research is not enough for a firm recommendation, but I think it comes down to: If you are likely to flare after missing one week, then inject as usual. If you have been able miss doses before without major problems, you are possibly going to have a better immune response by not having the methotrexate for a week, or possibly two weeks.

The advice from individual rheumatologists varies but it seems to be along those lines!

[Durrell]

Hi Spaniellady I’ve had my 1st vaccine & told to continue with Abatacept & MTX, however when my 2nd vaccine is due I may just miss the MTX that week. Unfortunately for me I have been increasing my MTX at the time of my vaccine & just felt yuk, so can’t be sure, but I feel it’s the MTX.(i was on a high dose years ago& remember 24hr headache etc) RA nurse says take the same amount next week & see how I feel, this is because I'm preparing to go from oral to metoject!! Just unfortunate timing..

[Spaniellady]

That's great news. Swapping to MTX injections made such a difference to me by reducing the side effects. Psychologically I know switching to injections is a big thing to get your head around, but it's really no big deal!