cough and methotrexate

[K2013]

Been on 20mg methotrexate for about 10 months, recently changed to metojet. On tablets I used to get the odd day most weeks where I’d have a dry cough. It’s getting worse though (def not covid) , is this to do with the methotrexate?

[oldtimer2]

It's possible it's the methotrexate but it could be something else - let your rheumy team know and how much trouble it's giving you. It's always sensible to check.

[Plumsoul in reply to oldtimer2]

Definitely get checked. I have developed Interstitial Lung Disease which could be from RA or Methotrexate or both. I had no face to face checks in the 2 and a half years I was on Methotrexate having been diagnosed with RA late 2019. Breathlessness came on suddenly with a chest infection this August. I thought my mild cough was just something everyone got with Methotrexate .

[Hannah-NRAS]

Hi K2013,

You may want to have a look at the following:

Taken from link below, section on side effects: "Rarely shortness of breath and troublesome cough causing pneumonitis which is inflammation in the lungs"

- nras.org.uk/resource/methot...

If you suspect the MTX has caused this cough, we encourage you to get in contact with your rheumatology team to get it checked out, and to report it via the 'yellow card scheme' (find out more here: nras.org.uk/resource/report....

As Plumsoul also mentioned, there are sometimes complications which can arise from RA itself and/or medications. See: nras.org.uk/resource/possib... for more information.

I hope you find this information useful and wish you all the best. Should you require any additional information or support please contact our helpline on 0800 298 7650 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4.30pm) or email us at [e-mail]

Best wishes,

Hannah

NRAS Information and support coordinator

[tyncwmmarchhywel in reply to Hannah-NRAS]

Hi Hannah, I had my first appoinment with new Consultant two weeks ago been with the first about l2w years,I thought she might have a new drug up her sle eve for this horrid R.A. but nothing to offer, cant take Metho, Bio or Jks, have to manage on 5mg Prodislon the worse symptom this week is FATIGUE, can hardle keep eyes open sleep all night but to no avail,any suggestions please, thanks for reading

[Hannah-NRAS in reply to tyncwmmarchhywel]

Hi tyncwmmarchhywel,

Please check out our Living better with RA pack (nras.org.uk/resource/living....

In which you will find our medicines booklet, as I am sure that there will be another medication suitable for your situation, even if you cannot have MTX nor yet qualify for the biologics/biosimilars/JAK inhibitors.

You'll also find our fatigue matters booklet which offers some tips and tricks for managing the fatigue of RA. Although, the best thing to address this symptom would ideally be to get onto a medication to control your condition.

You may also find the following resources helpful in improving the fatigue symptoms:

- nras.org.uk/resource/sleep-...

- sleepcouncil.org.uk/

If you feel that you need some support in gaining access to the right healthcare/treatments, you can also get in contact with the Patient Advice and Liaison Service at your hospital. Find out more here: nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospita...

I hope you find this information useful and wish you all the best. Should you require any additional information or support please contact our helpline on 0800 298 7650 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4.30pm) or email us at [e-mail]

Best wishes,

Hannah

NRAS Information and Support Coordinator

[tyncwmmarchhywel in reply to Hannah-NRAS]

Thank you for your time and information will look in to then, alas the reason I can not take the bio,etc is that they put me in hospital not that I dont qualify, sepsis for one ,thanks again.

[Hannah-NRAS in reply to tyncwmmarchhywel]

Ahh I see. Sorry to hear that. Hopefully, they'll get you sorted soon.

Best wishes,

Hannah

NRAS Information and Support Coordinator