Stopping MTX as Covid positive: Flew to Finland and... - NRAS

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Stopping MTX as Covid positive

Manzana1 profile image
12 Replies

Flew to Finland and ended up feeling unwell after the flight, until finally testing Covid positive for the first time last Tuesday 4th April. That was my MTX day so I gave it a miss that day (I'm on 20mg injectable for psoriatic arthritis). So, still not feeling 100% but getting better each day. I've read that I should stop MTX until I feel recovered. Is this standard? My dose is due tomorrow.

Thanks in advance :)

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Manzana1 profile image
Manzana1
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12 Replies
vonniesims profile image
vonniesims

I find I can get away with missing 2 doses, so I would, but we are all different.

Hopeful1 profile image
Hopeful1

I understand there is no standard answer. By analogy there is advice from Rhumatologists to withold after covid vacine to improve response BUT only on individual basis if patients are stable and know they do not risk a flare. Are you able to contact your rhuemy team?

Manzana1 profile image
Manzana1 in reply to Hopeful1

No chance of speaking to Rheumatologist as I have just moved areas/hospitals and appointment to meet new one is in June. I feel confident skipping 2 doses though so I'll give today a miss too. Thank you.

Mall profile image
Mall

I was advised to stop methotrexate and Benapali until I tested negative. This took 11 days so I did miss two doses. Although I didn’t feel too ill and my temperature returned to normal after a couple of days fatigue took much longer to clear. Don’t underestimate this virus and get plenty of rest.

Manzana1 profile image
Manzana1 in reply to Mall

Yes I agree, A horrible virus. And in the middle of a 4 country trip that I had been so looking forward to :( However, I have to be grateful now.

Leics profile image
Leics

i was advised to miss two doses of mtx but if you’re stable with regards to your psoriatic arthritis then hopefully you’ll recover quickly. We are all different though so as you’re between consultants could you perhaps get some advice from your old rheumy team ? I’m sure you would get the standard answer anyway. Hope you recover quickly.

Garnacha profile image
Garnacha

I was told not to have it (or the lefluminode) until I tested negative and felt OK, I missed 3 weeks but, I was OK re joints etc, you may find that whilst your immune system is busy fighting off covid it leaves your joints etc alone, I wasn't to ill with covid & remember thinking I wish you could get covid mildly if it meant leaving psa pain alone & not having to take all the drugs 😀 x

Fj65 profile image
Fj65

I think it would depend on how unwell you have been and how under control your condition is. if your condition is well controlled I would miss a dose . If not then take it. I have been advised both ways so probably up to you and your body

Cedrus profile image
Cedrus

I take methotrexate - 20mg tablets once weekly and have done since I was diagnosed with RA some 5 years ago.

During that time I had had to stop twice - once for 5 weeks after major lumber spinal fusion surgery and - once for eye surgery ( droopy eyelids) for 2 weeks. This is because MTX slows down the post surgical healing.I also have other RA medication - sulfasalazine 2 x 500mg and Prednisolone 4 x 1mg both daily. I also take Naproxen 2x500mg daily for osteoarthritis

I have no problems with any of these.

Gucita profile image
Gucita

Hi, sorry you got COVID. I just started Methotrexate 3 weeks ago so don’t have information to share. I hope the other responses have helped you and that you keep feeling better. Enjoy your travels.

Pebblescat profile image
Pebblescat

I’m on MTX and I always stop it if I’m on anti biotics. Have you been given medication to help with your Covid. If so stop the MTX but it will be out of your system after 3 weeks so if you need to stop for longer than that seek advice from your rheum team. If you are not on medication for your Covid then I would call your rheum team or NHS 111. It seems unlikely that they would advise you to take it while you have Covid. But I think this is one of those questions for a professional to advise on.

bienassis profile image
bienassis

Sorry, Manzana, to be so late in replying to your question about methotrexate and covid infection.

I take 10mg of methotrexate but have had no experience of covid infection. I would be inclined to get advice from the rheumatology team. You are taking 20mg which is quite a high dose, and you certainly wouldn't want to miss any if it can be avoided. One might be OK.

You are probably well on the way to recovery by now. And you won't want to upset the good that methotrexate is doing for your psoriatic arthritis - flares would be intolerable.

Good Luck!

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