methotrexate

[Grandchildren8]

I have been on methotrexate for years first tablets then injections. Last year it was increased and I started getting severe mouth ulcers so it was reduced again but I am still getting mouth and tongue ulcers that start two days after injection last about 3/4 days just in time for the next injection any ideas what I can do during this time I can’t eat or drink

[Pythagorus]

Hi G8, sorry to hear about your mouth ulcers but you need to talk this over with your rheumatologist and look at alternative medication. Best wishes

[Madmusiclover in reply to Pythagorus]

Agree. In the meantime try metal straws…

[Moog73]

Morning Grandchildren 8,I know the feeling,

I had the same issue all the time.

I found having folic acid 6 times a week and I also stopped Amitriptilyn, this seemed to help.

[Durrell]

Hi GC I had a one off, of mouth ulcers a long time ago & they put up my folic acid to daily, at that time I took it once a week, but I was told if it continued i Would meed to stop MTX. It was a one off for me, I’d never ever had a mouth ulcer till then, I remember I was given an antibiotic mouth wash. Yes agree with others here speak with your Rheumy 🌸

[Seatgeorge]

Do you take folic acid daily, it stopped my mouth ulcers. You need to dis cuss the mtx dosage with your consultant, he or she may decide to reduce the dosage.

[oldtimer2]

I had enormous mouth ulcers on methotrexate despite changing to injections and having folic acid 6 days a week (and loads in my diet). I had to transfer to azathioprine tablets instead, which have been much better for me in other ways too.

I did find keeping my mouth scrupulously clean, removing any trace of food from between my teeth, plus putting orabase gel on the ulcers (available over the counter) helped somewhat.

[Grandchildren8 in reply to oldtimer2]

I have taken folic acid the 6 days other than methotrexate day., I see my dentist every 6 months I am just at my wits end. Doesn’t help that I have really bad flare up at the moment as well.

[oldtimer2]

Sounds like you should insist on a change...! I had the backing of my dentist who insisted that I could not continue with such large ulcers.

[JenniferW]

Perhaps a break from the methotrexate for a week would help. You would have to discuss this with rheumatology of course, but I find the odd week off methotrexate when I have an infection can help for quite a while with the side effects.

[Grandchildren8]

yes I have tried that. Waiting to speak to my rheumatologist.

[hatshepsut]

I suffered badly with mouth ulcers with MTX. I was prescribed difflam mouthwash, which has been a real game changer. I rinse my mouth with it, keeping the liquid over the ulcers, for as long as possible.

This anaesthetises the ulcers for a while, and eventually regular use means the ulcers will heal completely.

Now I always keep some in, and at the first hint of an ulcer, I use it straight away.

I do hope it works for you, ulcers are so sore! Good luck x