Coughing and runny nose 3 days after first methotrexate

[Haz58]

Hi, all sorry me again. So I took my first 10mg of methotrexate on Sunday. Yesterday I started with a runny nose and a bit of a dry cough. Did COVID test, as you do nowadays, negative.

This morning I’ve got a runny nose and coughing more. Could this be tablets or just a cold I’ve picked up? Only place I e been is to the hospital to see the Rheumy nurse on Monday. She also gave me a steroid injection.

I also lost a crown yesterday…I’m not having much luck 🤦‍♀️ So I need to get a dentist appointment. I think I’ll need the root of the tooth that was holding the crown removed, (I’m falling apart ). Would I need to stop the methotrexate for this…I probably have to call the Rheumy nurse on this one I guess?

X

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Haz. It could be just a cold that's starting up. Hospitals are a breeding ground so it could be you've caught something doing the rounds. But, in relation to MTX neither are common side effects although if you have a dry cough or breathing difficulties that should be reported to your Rheumy nurse as MTX in some cases can have an effect on the lungs. However, as you're very new to MTX I’d contact your nurse anyway, see what her advice is. With any new med it's always best to ask for professional help just to be on the safe side. You can ask about MTX & dental work too.

[Haz58 in reply to nomoreheels]

Hi nomoreheels. Yes I’ve rang the Rheumy nurse and left a message, they are usually pretty good and get back to me the same day. I’ll see what she says. Thanks for replying again. Xx

[nomoreheels in reply to Haz58]

It's usually the case the longer you're on a med you know what's normal for you if you understand what I mean? Also you're in a better position to understand what should really be reported.

Just thinking about your dental work, should you be told it's ok to continue taking it if you need antibiotics there are some that shouldn’t be taken with MTX… some penicillins (although amoxicillin can be ok) but ask if any other penicillin antibiotic is prescribed, any containing tetracyclines, trimethoprim, ciprofloxacin & co-trimoxazole. You can usually start your MTX again one the course of antibiotics is finished. Hopefully your nurse will respond quickly.

[Haz58 in reply to nomoreheels]

Yes I totally understand what you mean. She got back to me and has told me not to take any more MTX until I’ve seen the dentist and whatever he does has healed totally. And I’ve got to tell him too that I had a steroid jab on Monday. She says he may give me antibiotics as a precaution as I m more prone to infections. I’m allergic to penicillins so they have to give me the other type of antibiotic. Earliest I can get into my dentist is 1st December but they said to call everyday to see if they have a cancellation. So that’s what I’ll do. Only saving grace is that I did have the injection so my hands are now getting not as painful and swollen 🙂

[MadBunny]

Hi there. Sorry to hear you're not feeling well and you've got dental problems. It sounds like it might be the start of a cold. I've had one and now have a chesty cough that's hanging on.When had a tooth/ root out I was told by the rheum nurse to leave off the mtx until it's healed. My dentist also gave me an antibiotic prescription just in case I got an infection, but I've been ok. I'm lucky my dentist is very clued up about these things . However, I've been on mtx for a long time and if course we' re all different. As you have only just started I think it would be worth talking to your nurse before you go to the dentist.

I hope that you start to see the benefits of the mtx soon.

All the best xx

[Haz58 in reply to MadBunny]

Thanks MadBunny. It’s crazy what you need to think about with this disease and medication, normally I’d just make a dental appointment without thinking. 🤦‍♀️ The nurse should be calling me back sometime today. Xx

[MadBunny in reply to Haz58]

Yes it is. I'm also on a biologic which makes things even more of a pain at times. I had considered having a dental implant at one point to replace a tooth but decided it was just a bit too much. In any case, I didn't really need to go down that road at my age 😂xx

[Haz58 in reply to MadBunny]

Rheumy rang me. I’m to stop taking MTX until the tooth is sorted and totally healed 🤦‍♀️ I’ve just got to tell the dentist about the steroid jab I had on Monday and he may give me antibiotics as a precaution the nurse said. Xx

[MadBunny in reply to Haz58]

Thanks for letting me know. Good luck with your dental appointment xx

[helixhelix]

Quite often when I have started new drugs it has triggered and allergic rhinitis for the first weeks/months. Irritating, but not serious.

[Haz58 in reply to helixhelix]

Ah ok. I do get allergic reactions to many things so could be that. Rheumy nurse told me to stop MTX anyway until I get my tooth sorted and it’s totally healed. So lord knows when I’ll start taking it again. 🤦‍♀️

[JenHasRA in reply to Haz58]

Welcome to MTX. Runny nose, bloody nose, sore eye balls, weeping eyes, ear aches, inflamed sinus, inflamed and bleeding gums, tongue ulcers, swollen neck, thyroid nodules. I also had 'day in bed' migraines once a month. Obviously, it's different for everyone. I slept with a humidifier (very dry where I live) and got some eye drops with an antihistamine and one that is just a lubricant. I drank 'Liquid IV' daily to fight dehydration. I also took a probiotic that was a histamine blocker (some antihistamines and probiotics can cause a rebound reaction in some people - making their histamine levels worse). Maybe these things will work to help you if you get back on. (It is frustrating to have to spend more money and effort to counteract the already expensive medication.) I thought these symptoms would subside, they never did and I ended up getting off of MTX. Advocate with your doctor to try another medication maybe? There are many. Trying takes so long, if you are like me you will want to stay with 'finding the right one'. I wanted MTX to work for me because it was the first one I tried, and I stayed with it longer than I should have - because the side effects never went away. I wish we could know if this was true - "If you have a big reaction to MTX from the first dose - you will most likely not adjust to it." I wish I knew if that was true. For me, it was. (Not telling you to give up on MTX and try something else. Want to encourage you to advocate with your doctor and not think you are stuck with a medication that makes you sick - there are lots to try.) Hearing from lots of other people with RA - the teeth take a beating.

[grumpygirl]

MTX has always given me a runny nose . Within minutes of injecting my MTX I get a sneezing fit which infuriates my husband. This has been constant since I started injecting several years ago. I have been told when my nose gets very blocked that a few days of antihistamines can help so I always keep some in. Obviously I am not medically trained but I would ask your Rhuemy about the symptoms you are getting if they reoccur on a regular basis.

[Hidden]

Hello, yes I would give your Rheumatology nurse a call and have a chat about the symptoms and the dentist. If you can't get hold of your nurse then do give our helpline a call on 0800 298 7650 and have a chat with them.

[Haz58 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Tracy.🙂 Spoke to her yesterday. I’m to stop the methotrexate until my tooth is sorted and totally healed. Re the symptoms as I’m to not take anymore MTX they’re not worried too much but f it escalates I’m to contact my gp. Thank you for the helpline number too. Good to have it just in case. X

[Hidden]

Thats good you did get hold of her to have a chat. Hope the symptoms get better soon & the tooth isn't too painful!