Covid and rheumatoid arthritis

[Moulinr]

Hi guys sorry if this has been asked before I recently started methotrexate only started last week was my first injection and I have now tested positive for covid I am waiting on a call back from rheumatoid nurse but I was just wondering how does it work with covid? I think the last time they said they may have to stop the injections untill I'm better and can I still take my other medications? Haven't had this situation before and looking for some advice

Thank you!

[KittyJ]

I’m sorry but you’re going to have to wait to get an answer from your rheumy nurse/other doctors. We can’t tell you what to do, only tell you what we did but we won’t be on the same meds as you so everyone’s answer on what to do will be specific to them. I hope you’re not feeling too bad and recover quickly.

[Lolabridge]

Bad luck!

There is some general advice on the website of the British Society for Rheumatology you could look at until you get a call back from your nurse.

rheumatology.org.uk/

I hope it’s Mild for you and you recover quickly 🤞🏻

[Runrig01]

as others have said you need to get confirmation from your rheumatology team. General advice is to hold off MTX until you feel well and test negative. I’d certainly hold till you’ve spoken to them.

[jagilber]

Oh dear, hope it is mild...you can also ask for antiviral, seems NHS research says has helped if given early...like others have said talk with RA specialist...hope you feeling better soon

[Leics]

As others have said best to get advice from your team. When I got covid in January I was advised to pause for two weeks for mtx but I had antivirals so don’t know whether that made a difference. You’re best to get advice for you in that respect hope you feel better soon. My experience was I had a rebound infection after 5 days negative so actually had to pause mtx for three weeks. Restarted mtx for two weeks and liver function raised so had to stop again. Another two weeks off an getting advice from anyone is like I’m asking for the world gp won’t say and nurse in rheumy dept said restart which I would do if they’d ever send my prescription. Sorry for the moan but my advice make sure you have enough meds if you’re told to pause.

[Daddyishealing in reply to Leics]

Also has rebound as soon as I injected cimzia . I think people should stay off immunosuppressants for a month personally if possible .

[Leics in reply to Daddyishealing]

I agree with you but mtx hasn’t worked for me since and side effects which I was already struggling with have got worse. So for me it’s back to the drawing board as I can’t put up with it any longer I’ve admitted defeat this week after another week of wanting to throw up 24/7 for the last 4 days. That’s it I’m done.