Methotrexate and resistance to covid booster - NRAS

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Methotrexate and resistance to covid booster

Trees17 profile image
16 Replies

Has anyone had advice about taking methotrexate at the same time as the 4th vaccination/booster? I'm due my vaccination on the same day as I take my meds and wondering about missing the meds for that week so as to be less immunosuppressed.

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Trees17 profile image
Trees17
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16 Replies
MadBunny profile image
MadBunny

I haven't had my 4th yet but for the other 3, I was advised to stop 2weeks before. It might be worth checking with your rheum nurse as advice seems to vary in different health authorities and it depends on individual circumstances. I was told I was ok to stop it as I was in remission. I'm also on a biologic and stopped that too.

Trees17 profile image
Trees17 in reply toMadBunny

Thanks - that sounds sensible. I'm having trouble getting advice here in Norfolk as they're short-staffed.

MadBunny profile image
MadBunny in reply toTrees17

You're welcome. Same here in Hertfordshire. The initial advice I was given back in Dec 2020 before my first jab was 2 weeks before and after( but they didn't really have any info back then to base it on ) - which I did, but after the 2nd and 3rd jabs I had flares. In the recent letter I got , the advice was just before, not after.

Dexter1414 profile image
Dexter1414 in reply toTrees17

Same here I keep emailing the RA nurses and they keep saying short staffed doesn’t help me though I suffer with bad anxiety and worry a lot

bpeal1 profile image
bpeal1 in reply toDexter1414

This post is 3 years old so you may not get a reply

bpeal1 profile image
bpeal1

Official advice from the British Rheumatology is that patients shouldn't pause treatment for covid vaccinations, however I know some people whose disease is stable have been told by their rheumatologists it would be ok to do so.

Scroll about half way down the ‘advice for covid vaccination in adults’ section. rheumatology.org.uk/practic...

Trees17 profile image
Trees17 in reply tobpeal1

Thanks so much for the link. Hmmm... it's hard to know what is best. I'm due to take my meds the same day as the vaccine - and that seems a bit contradictory. I'll try again to contact the nurse for advice. Thanks everyone.

Boxerlady profile image
Boxerlady

I missed a dose for each of my first two jabs mainly because it should have been on the same day and I didn't fancy dealing with the (slight) effects from both. For my third I missed two doses before and one after; planning to miss another but my joints started to complain so I was pleased to resume it.

MorganCat profile image
MorganCat

I had 4th vaccine on Saturday . Spoke to dr at vaccination centre they were unsure what to do. The thought of injecting mtx after the vaccine put me off. Did my injection last night will keep it on a Wednesday for a while . .

Esmereld profile image
Esmereld

I don’t think they know yet what to advise. I took my own decision not to take mine the week before and after. I did the same for the flu jab. Who knows what’s best. I can’t imagine there’s much data yet. You’re obviously concerned. Could you cope without them for a short period?. Good luck deciding.

JEM95 profile image
JEM95

In my 3rd primary vaccine letter I had advice about meds.I take Benepali and Methotrexate. My letter specifically said don’t miss Benepali but miss one dose of MXT after the vaccine. I’ve done this for the 3rd and 4th/booster.

It may be specific to my dosage levels but it’s the only advice I’ve had / been able to glean.

I don’t think there is a definitive answer.

Through all of this Covid malarkey I have done what I feel is best for me. Advice is scant and no-one (apart from my Rheumy) seems to know the score!

Horse_and_hound profile image
Horse_and_hound

I had my 4th last week and my rheumatologist stated that pausing Mtx is no longer advised.

Sunset54 profile image
Sunset54

HiNRAS say you should leave two weeks But rheumatologist says take as normal. I missed my Methotrexate and following Benepali when I had my 4th dose last weekend . I never had any post vaccine symptoms before but this time I was rough for about 36 hours. My personal experience is that it is better to

Miss a dose if you can . To be fair having had all my vaccines now I am still quite sceptical about the whole vaccine thing. Vaccines from the past help to eradicate diseases . This lot don’t eradicate don’t stop you getting it and don’t stop you spreading it. You can even get it more than once! What kind of vaccine is that? I felt compelled to have them because of RA and immunosuppressed system. It had not given me any more confidence with going out even now. I am still reluctant to lead a normal life for fear of catching it and what we have been told could potentially happen . Sorry fir rant just my feelings about the whole Covid thing!! I respect everyone’s individual view but hold many other questions around this in my own head. Stay safe and well everyone.

bienassis profile image
bienassis

Well, as other replies have mentioned there doesn't seem to be any one answer!

I take methotrexate with a biologic, and have been told only the biologic needs a couple of weeks before and after the injection before the vaccine.

Coincidentally, the first 3 vaccines were on a Monday, the day I have the methotrexate injection. I was given the OK by the rheumy dept. to go ahead with the vaccine irrespective of when the methotrexate was due.

Next week I have the 4th - and the advice is the same.

Typsey profile image
Typsey

Hi there. I didn’t ask any advice. I just stopped my methotrexate and biological for a week to give the jab a good chance. I was fine for the week but it is up to the individual isn’t it. Good luck Hun 🤗

Taddylady profile image
Taddylady

It is best to stop Methotrexate for a week after having a Covid jab.

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