Methotrexate

[SouthPacific24]

Can I take my weekly dose of Methotrexate if I have a cough and cold?

[KittyJ]

I’ve never been told to stop for a cold, only if I have to take antibiotics for an infection.

[Rusticgarden]

Yes if only a cold but for ANY infections you stop metho

[ABwn]

Never stopped it for a cold, only if you are diagnosed with something you need to take antibiotics for.

[stbernhard]

My rheumatologist's advice is, stop when on antibiotics or have a high temperature.

[marti]

I think each Doctor has its own advise my 1st consultant said to stop when you had a cough and cold but my latest one says no need to stop. I just usually go with how rough I feel as to whether I miss it. Hope your cough eases soon if not I'd get your GP to check you over

[RAGuy]

I agree with marti, it depends on how bad I feel. You can always move your meds day by 24 hours if it helps give a pause

[PSAWarrior28]

Never for a cough. Chest infection or on antibiotics. That said I had an undiagnosed cough for over weeks and had to stop till they were able to find out whether it was a methotrexate induced cough.

[Aporiac]

I used to call a rheumy nurse, but now use my own judgment. Methotrexate suppresses your immune system, so makes it harder for your body to fight off infection. But it also suppresses joint inflammation. So you pays your money and takes your choice. If you’ve got a cold and aren’t fighting it off very well you can consider postponing methotrexate to give your immune system a boost. But then you increase the risk of a flare-up. As other people have noted, it’s probably not worth taking the risk of a flare up unless your cold is really bad (although even the cold itself can increase the likelihood of a flare-up in my experience). Trouble is everyone is different, which is why I decide for myself based on how my body feels (and was the advice one rheumy nurse gave me).