Anti virals & MTX

[Taichigirl]

Hi looking at recent posts, am sorry for the people who have ended up with Covid sometimes even after the vaccine! Am interested to know if you can have anti-viral meds with Methotrexate? Thanks x

[Runrig01]

unfortunately methotrexate alone doesn’t qualify, only if your taking it for ILD - Interstitial lung disease. You no longer get contacted, but have to go through your gp. If you are on other immunosuppressants, they will use physicians discretion. A lot n biologic therapies no longer qualify. The reason being, evidence is showing that these patients aren’t at risk of severe disease, which is reassuring.

[Taichigirl in reply to Runrig01]

thanks for that x

[bunnycaramel in reply to Runrig01]

I recently had covid and take mtx and a biologic and took anti vitals. But I believe mxt alone doesn’t qualify for anti virals

[KittyJ]

yes you can take antivirals but you wouldn’t necessarily qualify for them, I couldn’t get them and I take mtx and a biologic.

[vonniesims in reply to KittyJ]

Me too, but they said I wasn't ill enough

[KittyJ in reply to vonniesims]

Yes that was the reason, even though I was really unwell. They could tell over the phone 🙄

[Taichigirl in reply to KittyJ]

thanks x

[Jackie1947]

Are they still available as things have changed.?

[AgedCrone]

We can’t advise on that but unless you are taking more than Mtx or have another health condition you would probably not not qualify anti virals.

Ask whoever prescribes your Mtx.

[AgedCrone]

You must also remember the Covid vaccination does not stop you catching the virus.

Any vaccination is a warning to your immune system that if you get that particular virus your system is pre-warned & will hopefully react quickly & ensure you only get a mild attack.

Please don’t think because you have been vaccinated against Covid you will never catch it. Many of us here have had our vaccinations, but have still caught it.

[Sheila_G in reply to AgedCrone]

That is a very good explanation of how the vaccine works AC.

[AgedCrone in reply to Sheila_G]

Simple…like me!

[Sheila_G in reply to AgedCrone]

Simply the best!

[smilelines]

Well, I am on cosentyx and leflunimide and I took the antivirals. The taste in my mouth was really really bad. The antivirals worked amazingly and I felt better than ever on them....BUT a few days after stopping them I got covid and was sick. I was then in quarantine for an extra 10 days so I am not sure it was worth it. Next time I won't take them.

[bunnycaramel in reply to smilelines]

The taste was awful

[helenlw7]

I had an anti viral infusion last April while on methotrexate.

[Linysaurous]

it seems it would depend on where you live, I had my Covid vax yesterday due to being prescribed Methotrexate and I’ve also been invited to book my flu vaccination., as others have said, check with your Rheumy team, best wishes

[Cheylann]

Depends how sick you get. I am on MTX and qualified for antivirals but didn't bother to ask for them as wasn't ill enough.

[Happy5]

Went on holiday got back last day with Covid 🙄 . I've called my RD advice line to check I don't qualify for anti virals, as well as am I able to obtain LFT still free?

Whe they call back I'll let you know.