Hi All - Seems I have developed an allergic reaction to methotrexate (confirmed by rheumatologist) I have sore itchy eyes that are streaming, plus very runny nose and at least two sneezing fits each day. Suggestion by rheumy is to reduce methotrexate to 12.5 mgs (from 15 mgs) - if no improvement reduce further to 10 mgs and then consider methotrexate injections.
Has anyone else had this ? Advice welcome
Sorry to suggest the obvious but did anyone suggest taking an antihistamine and if you have did it help?
Oh yes I forgot to say this was suggested a month ago but as I have a very dry mouth it made it worse so I had to stop.
Did you try just one type of anti-histamines or did you give several a go? I'm just trying to think what would help.
I suffered on oral MTX but that was with nausea. It was very bad nausea. I eventually switched to injections and that helped but I didn't get the reactions that you describe. It sound like the sort of thing you get with a dust allergy. I've not heard of that reaction with MTX. I'm not saying it's not a legitimate reaction, just not heard of it that's all. Maybe someone else can help? Best of luck!
Many thanks for your reply - I agree it didn’t occur to me that it could be an allergic reaction but that’s what rheumy said. I am trying the reduction she suggested and see if it eases.
I had an allergic reaction a bad one when I took ibuprofen with it . I now take anti histamine as super sensitive to a lot of the drugs for RA so far but the GP gave me a one a day type and this has helped once taken off MTX. It can happen but maybe try and find an anti histamine that works with you maybe from GP rather than over the counter type?
Thank you for your reply and suggestion- I will certainly speak to the Consultant and GP again if the reduction doesn’t work especially as mxt is working so well so I’m reluctant to be taken off this drug.So happy you have found treatment that’s is working well for you.
Its all about working with your RA and GP team as they help you - well mine do! x
Interesting! I have a very itchy back but it is very dry. I also have permanent blepharitis. I have never put these down to mxt but I certainly didn't have either before I had RA. I don't know which one is responsible, if either. I have had RA for 19 years and taken mxt for the same length of time. Itching has only occured over last few years but have had the blepharitis for most of the time. I have never mentioned them to anyone for fear of being taken off mxt.
I felt the same - I’ve had this for three months (I’ve been taking mxt for six months )but felt silly mentioning it especially as mxt is working so well but I had to admit it’s getting worse interfering with driving as I’m always having to wipe my eyes. I did say to rheumy that perhaps it’s the price I have to pay but she said it will only continue to get worse. She said if the reduction doesn’t work she will switch me to injections. Not my favourite idea but I’m hoping the small reduction will work.Thanks for replying - so happy mxt has worked so well for you
Thank you. All the best.
If you are going to take a anti histamine , go back to the original ones such as piriton the consultant told me to do this , every time I react to something severely even though I take anti histamine everyday , since being on biologics . I have become more sensitive to things and can randomly react even in a supermarket to a product on the cleaning shelves , normally face and eyes are sensitive . I was told the newer ones don’t help with skin , so to stop the fexofenadine and go back to piriton for 5 days , so far so good . Who’d have thought that at nearly 60 I’d have worse allergies than I did when they tested me for them at 7 . Good luck hopefully it will calm down soon 🤞🎃
Thank you for responding I will certainly consider your suggestion if the reduction in mxt doesn’t work.So happy you found something that works for you .
After 10+ years on MTX injections, my sister has developed an allergic reaction to it and currently reducing the dose like you.
I hope it works for her - I made a small reduction last night as suggested by the consultant - no immediate change but I’m hopeful.
Yes, I've had this for many months now - I've had methotrexate for 23 years but it's since the addition of the biologic that the streaming eyes and nose started. Try not to spend too much time in front of screens, and try anti-histamine if it gets too bad.
My problem with anti-histamine is a very dry mouth and an increase in dizziness, but it does relieve, temporarily at least, the constant dripping of eyes and nose.
Good Luck!
Thank you for your response you mirror my experience exactly. I have a few things for dry mouth so might give the antihistamines another go. Thanks again
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