Coughs and Methotrexate

[s2202]

Hi I had a continual persistent cough for a number of years while on Methotrexate and often couldn't speak without coughing.. I came off of Methotrexate because of my cough and after about 2 months I definitely felt so much better and the cough subsided. It took a number of months to go completely. At the time I had read that 1% of patients on Methotrexate developed troublesome coughs.

Hope this information helps. Wishing you better.

[CagneysMum]

That is really interesting. I have been on methotrexate just over3 years during which time I’ve developed a persistent ( although intermittent) cough that can leave me quite breathless at times. Not a major inconvenience but it must be annoying/concerning for those around me. I’ve had chest X-rays in case it’s the RA causing nodules on my lungs, but I’ve been given all clear. I’ve been told I probably have mild asthma and given an inhaler, which I don’t use because I’m not convinced it is asthma - I just think my GP ran out of ideas.

[Haz58]

Hi. Are you having the lung function tests every so often? I start MTX on Sunday and had my first lung function tests yesterday, they said I’ll have to have them every few months as MTX can affect lung function.

[Garnacha in reply to Haz58]

Oh didn't know this, started mtx last November & had to have a chest xray prior but that's it, unless this is something new they've introduced x

[s2202 in reply to Garnacha]

Hi well at the time i went to the Royal Brom hospital lung specialists in London and he told me that Rheumatologists love Methotrexate because if it's success but they really don't.

[Haz58 in reply to Garnacha]

Had a chest X-ray too as well as the lung tests.

[Garnacha in reply to Haz58]

How long have you been on mtx? Just wondering if its a new thing or something that I should have had done x

[Haz58 in reply to Garnacha]

Only starting to take them this Sunday. x

[Mumcon]

I’ve had a persistent cough for years I’ve been on Methtrexate for 11 years, I’m really bad at night I have mentioned it a few times but I feel I’m getting a deaf 🧏 ear

[Haz58]

I’m quite worried now as I have a nearly constant cough anyway. My gp gave me a blue inhaler 18 months ago. Said the cough was due to allergies. If I’ve already got this cough I hope MTX doesn’t make it worse. I think I may ring the Rheumy nurse as I start taking it on Sunday.

[Garnacha in reply to Haz58]

Oops sorry just saw your post above. Perhaps it is something new they've started x

[Jaynes]

This is interesting. I take hydroxy and sulfasalazine and started mtx six weeks ago and also developed a cough. I wasnt offered a chest xray prior to starting it. Think maybe I should contact the rheumy nurse.

[Bails67]

I have a persistent cough ( since 2014) I only took MXT for around 2 years. I am now on biologic. I have been told it was asthma, which I know it isn’t. I eventually had 2 xrays ( a few years apart ) both clear. Still coughing I got referred to respiratory clinic and had a CT scan. Consultant said thank goodness someone thought to do a ct scan. Been treated for GERD and I have very mild ILD ( something found my right lobe ) I don’t think it’s life limiting, my breathing tests are fine. I don’t think it’s abnormal with RA to have a cough 🤷‍♀️!

[bienassis]

I've never heard this before. But I'll certainly make a note of it. I've been taking methotrexate since 1998 without any side-effects to speak of except fatigue - but that is likely the effect of a combined biologic these days. No cough. The breathlessness sounds more worrying to me.Do you have a heart problem? But you must have been checked for that.

I do hope you get to the bottom of it. It must be caused by something. Perhaps a dry throat and mouth - not unusual, I believe, with RA.

bienassis