Covid jabs and mtx - study: Hi all, I've seen a few... - NRAS

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Covid jabs and mtx - study

Ascidian profile image
8 Replies

Hi all, I've seen a few posts on here about whether or not to stop mtx after covid jabs, so thought I'd let you know about a study that is going on atm to investigate the issue.

vroom.octru.ox.ac.uk/vroom-...

If you are about to have your 3rd jab you might want to consider investigating whether your rheumy department is looking for recruits to the study. I only found out that ours is taking part because i checked their facebook page to see if they were giving advice about stopping/not stopping.

Personally, I have a bit of a dilemma. I am already in a bit of a flare and am holding off telling my team as I don't want any increase/change in meds just yet as my booster is next wednesday. I also took an antibody test and KNOW that my antibody levels are low. So, I desperately want to give the jab the best possible chance to work, but also know that missing mtx will possibly make the flare worse. But I suspect that the mtx just isn't doing the job anyway. If I didn't know about the antibody levels, I would happily join the study, but then the decision on what to do would be out of my control......

Photo is from a walk i went on a while ago.

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Ascidian
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8 Replies
oldtimer profile image
oldtimer

You do have a personal dilemma and it's likely that they wouldn't want you for the study if you don't fit the parameters for it anyway. I hope your flare settles down soon.Personally I think I would go for the booster if offered anyway. If you don't feel that the methotrexate is controlling things a couple of weeks without might actually make that clearer for you.

Ascidian profile image
Ascidian in reply to oldtimer

Thanks, oldtimer. I am definitely going for my booster, and am pretty sure i will stop my mtx for 2 weeks. I was really shocked when i found out how low my antibody level was, as I had assumed it would be fine. It made me feel vulnerable for the first time in my life, so I have to give the booster the best chance of working so I can get on with things - both for my sake and for the sake of my hubby. I think the mtx had been helping, but there has been a slow increase in disease activity since late summer, so I suspect it is time for an increase in dose, or change to injections. Like you say, the break may make that clearer

Boxerlady profile image
Boxerlady

Wish that I'd known about this earlier as I would have loved to take part but I had my 3rd jab last Saturday. I decided to miss 2 doses of Methotrexate before the jab and 1 that weekend but am thinking of resuming next weekend; I'll see how my joints are feeling by then. My RA is stable atm and I'm also on Hydroxychloroquine and Sulfasalazine so it didn't feel like a risky thing to do.The research is badly needed as the advice is so varied.

Ascidian profile image
Ascidian in reply to Boxerlady

I agree that the research is needed, Boxerlady. It would be so helpful to know whether stopping the meds is worth it

Sheila_G profile image
Sheila_G

Hi. I was in a flare when I went for my jab. I think it is more important to get the jab so missed out on the dose before jab and dose after. I am still in the flare but it isn't as bad so I wasn't affected by missing out on two doses. I felt the two doses missed might help a bit with immunity from the vaccine but two weeks probably wouldn't make much difference anyway as it remains in the system for about 6 weeks. In the end it is up to you.

Ascidian profile image
Ascidian in reply to Sheila_G

Thanks Sheila. It is very reassuring that you didn't feel missing 2 doses made your flare worse

veg_c2000 profile image
veg_c2000

I had a call from my Rheum team (Imperial) this morning asking if I would take part but as I'd already had my 3rd jab .... They did ask if a 4th dose was to be rolled out if I'd participate, which I confirmed I would.V.

Ascidian profile image
Ascidian in reply to veg_c2000

Brilliant. Well done. I would have taken part if I hadn't already discovered that I have a low antibody level, If they could let me choose to stop my mtx I would do it, but I believe it is decided randomly

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