methotrexate

[Timboo]

hi anyone had abnormal smear test results from methotrexate, low grade dyskaryosis. Ive never had before and now after a year on methotrexate I have.

[oldtimer2]

It's very tempting to put everything down to the medications we take, but it seems unlikely that it's directly related. It's possible that any low grade persisting viral infection in the cells of the cervix is less supressed by your immune system with the immune suppression generally from methotrexate.

It's important to follow this up - as I'm sure you will do - by having regular tests to see if it requires treatment.

[bpeal1 in reply to oldtimer2]

Very good advice. Remember uncontrolled inflammatory arthritis can also mean your immune system is not functioning properly too.

[Retirednhs in reply to oldtimer2]

Methotrexate should not affect your cervical cells . You should be booked in to see a gynaecologist to discuss the way forward for this and discuss treatment . Ring your RA helpline or discuss with your gp if you think ots connected. Good luck

[Whezziewhoozie]

hi, I am on a biologic not methotrexate. However since starting the biologic my smears have come back everytime that I need a colposcopy and they have put it down to being immune suppressed. I have gone from dyskaryosis to currently at CIN1 - no treatment needed as of yet. I am followed up yearly now by the hospital.

[Whezziewhoozie]

oh I should have said it’s taken 4 years to go from dyskaryosis to CIN1 and apparently I may never progress any further. The nurse assured me that she has patients of 10 years staying at this level!

[MJSlide1958 in reply to Whezziewhoozie]

Hi Whezziewhoozie,

Please can you keep me updated as my daughter too has had Gynae problems, since on Enbrel and since now on Enbrel and Methotrexate tablets. She would like one to have a baby, she is 32 and been on Enbrel since 2010. Now MTX added since just after lockdown, 15mg tablets weekly with weekly Enbrel injections.