Methotrexate makes BBC News today!

[Moomin8]

bbc.co.uk/news/health-59252739

This is a discussion that many if us on here have been having for some time 🤔

[Esmereld]

I didn’t take mine a week either side of my jab. Knowing certain drugs can react with mtx and the little we know so far, I made my own decision. I was rough by the way. Really freezing and sick/nauseous. Knocked me about a bit this time. It didn’t last long though. 48 hours and I was fine.

[Moomin8 in reply to Esmereld]

Similar - I left it one week before and two after. To be honest, I was lucky - after my two doses of Astrazeneca, I was fine and after my 3rd vaccine of Pfizer I was also fine.

[Bookworm55]

Interesting. I stopped mtx for the week before and week after all 3 of my Covid jabs and the flu jab but my RA is fairly well controlled. I did/do feel a bit more achy but otherwise fine. Will be very interested in the results of the study.

[GinnyE]

I didn’t want to wait two years for the official guidance and having read the Korean details decided to stop methotrexate for two weeks after third vaccine. But that was my decision, as many here have decided. Good that it’s an acknowledged issue for people now and on the BBC so people don’t think I’m making it up! (My antibodies shot up after third vaccine.) I think they should offer free antibody tests to us; it offers some reassurance. The woman in the article would benefit from knowing. I know this is not universally agreed. Again, just my view.

[wishbone in reply to GinnyE]

As mentioned in a previous post if mine... a month or so ago my rheumatologist wrote a letter to both me and my health board to confirm, among other things, that I was immunosuppressed and advising me to stop baricitinib for 2 - 3 weeks after my 3rd vaccine.

Valid point about free antibody tests.... the government has spent multi-billions providing free this and free that for millions of healthy people yet don't seem too concerned about the likes of us. No surprise there though!

[Moomin8 in reply to GinnyE]

I agree!

[Gigi71]

I also made my own decision to stop methotrexate a week before and two weeks after, plus my Humira recently after my third jab, based on doctors always tell you to pause your meds for an operation. I’ve had all 3 Pfizer vaccine’s and this time I only had a headache, whereas the previous two I felt quite rough, when I was advised to keep taking all meds. X

[ABwn]

I also heard the discussion and due to all the discussion on here had already decided to take a break for 2 weeks, which I did. Had 3rd jab 2 weeks ago.

[Gilliancheche]

Frustrating timing for me as i skipped one dose of MTX, had been considering skipping a second one but chickened out and injected the night before reading this! Another day and I would have held off another week. I did make it 2 weeks either side of my Cosentyx so at least that might help 🤞🤞

[MadBunny]

Apologies if I'm repeating myself here but on the advice of my rheum nurse I stopped my mtx and Cimzia 2 weeks before and after the first 2 jabs and I have decided to do so again now for the 3rd. I am in remission so she felt it was ok for me, and I can't recall it causing me any problems.

[Aperson99]

I stopped my MTX medication for two weeks due to a bad root canal infection as I was advised by my rheumatologist when I started the antibiotics. My condition is permanently active and MTX and Benepali work together to put it at bay. I had a flare up that lasted over 6 weeks as took this long for the meds to have an effect again.

It would be good if there was a clear decision on what to do about taking medication following covid or flu vaccination or at least clear guidance saying it is dependent on the individual and to be discussed before between patient and doctor.

I’m sitting here having just had the booster wondering if I take my meds tomorrow!

[Moomin8]

It's got to be your decision...but I wish you well 🙂

[Ailsa-NRAS Partner NRAS]

Hello Moomin8

Clare and I spoke to the Prinicipal Investigator on this trial on Friday having heard the news on the radio and he is going to help us put together an FAQ which we will be able to post on our website and through HU and social media on this subject.

Best wishes to you and everyone on this thread

Ailsa (National Patient Champion at NRAS)

[Moomin8 in reply to Ailsa-NRAS]

Brilliant! Thank you 😊

[GinnyE in reply to Ailsa-NRAS]

Great. Thank you.