Methotrexate/Folic Acid: Rash/Psoriasis

[MJSlide1958]

Dear All,

I am asking this question because I am worried about my daughter, 30 years old whose has been on medications for RA since 2009. Currently she has been taking Enbrel since 2010 weekly injections and Methotrexate tablets for 2 years 15mg weekly. Folic Acid 6 times a week 5mg daily. She has started to develope rashes from time to time and trying to pin point whether it's stress or the Methotrexate or even too much Folic Acid? She has made consultant aware of this! May I ask if anyone has had this problem whilst being on Methotrexate? Enbrel has always been ok since 2010, saying that you never know when it can play up???

Grateful for any experiences from anyone please.

[helixhelix]

Has she ever been checked by a dermatologist? I don’t know how common that is in the UK but I am on Enbrel and MTX and get checked once a year.

As you put psoriasis in your title and that’s a possibility that she has developed psoriatic arthritis. Is she sero-negative?

But generally she needs to discuss this with her medical team. Take photos the next time it appears.

[MJSlide1958 in reply to helixhelix]

Thanks very much, really good advice and very grateful.

[Haz58]

all I can say is I got a rash, vey itchy but you can hardly see it, this started just before I was diagnosed with RA and I wasn’t yet on medications. The Rheumy nurse gave me a steroid shot to tied me over until my MTX i was to start kicked out in. I showed her the rash and she said it would probably get worse after the steroid. It didn’t luckily. But I still have it and no one seems to be bothered. I’d be interested to know what they say to your daughter.

[MJSlide1958 in reply to Haz58]

Thanks, my daughter's answer may take a while. She seems to think it may be seasonal, like her hayfever, but will keep you posted if it turns out to be something of importance. Thanks again.

[Haz58 in reply to MJSlide1958]

thanks MJ. I wish her all the best.

[MJSlide1958 in reply to Haz58]

Thanks very much

[Bonnett121]

hello, I have been on methotrexate for two years nearly and haven't had a rash except when I have been in sunlight for too long. For me that is not very long. I so hope you find out what the issue is. 🌺

[MJSlide1958 in reply to Bonnett121]

Thank you

[Kentishman]

I was on put Enbrel and methotrexate, having previously been on another biologic and methotrexate for five years for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis with few issues. The methotrexate was to help the Enbrel , as enbrel was less effective without the help of a DMARD. However, I started getting rashes and this was eventually put down to opportunistic skin infections from continued methotrexate use. Although I tolerated methotrexate quite well in all other aspects, I had to stop methotrexate. When one year later I restarted methotrexate because I had moved to humira which is sometimes better at controlling the psoriasis, the rashes restarted. Conclusion was that I can no longer take methotrexate. Hope this helps.

[MJSlide1958 in reply to Kentishman]

Every advice helps. Thank you

[Jaeyescats80]

I didn’t react well to either medication. Everyone is different. Methotrexate caused issues with my breathing and then I was switched to Enbrel- 2nd shot I had a terrible system reaction where I injected both 1st & 2nd time, high fever, didn’t feel well at all for about 3d. I was taken off immediately. Again, everyone is different. I have a few friends who’ve been on Embrel for a very long time and no issues. Humira is working well for me so far. Best of luck to you in finding something that works.

[MJSlide1958 in reply to Jaeyescats80]

Thanks so much for your reply, the chat really helps.

[eastbournelady]

Im sero neg on mtx 20mg and simponi not enbrel and i find i get red itchy rashes often sometimes it can be a reaction to even a small amount of sunshine photosensitivity i think its called because of mtx. As helixhelix says take a photo and show gp, biologics nurse and or consultant if you are ever fortunate enough to see one of them, or send it to your gps surgery for opinion.

[MJSlide1958 in reply to eastbournelady]

Thank you for advice. Good luck too

[Moomin8]

Hi,

I have had a few rashes with MTX. I find that antihistamine helps. Definitely ask the consultant for advice - we are not medically trained.

[MJSlide1958 in reply to Moomin8]

Thanks very much Moomin8