should I take my methotrexate when I have 'mild' covid ?

[lindyloo2018]

HiyaI have covid but symptoms are mild, still taking my hydroxy, but should I take my mtx this week ?I have been told 2 different things by the same ra dept..1. stop mtx for the week but keep taking hydroxyand2 . keep taking my mtx to prevent a flareDoes anyone know the current regs or have had any experience of the same?many thanks

[virtualreality]

Hi, I've had the same experience in that I was told different things by different medics about stopping meds when I had Covid, but in my case that was about hydroxychloroquine. Both told me to stop the methotrexate. I don't know if that would be right for you as well, maybe it depends on specific medical factors, but that's what I was told and did.

[KittyJ]

Everyone will have been told differently as is usually the case. You’ll have to make the decision based on how quickly you flare if you stop mtx and as you’ve only mild symptoms whether risking a flare is worth it. Hopefully it’ll stay mild 🤞🏻

[bpeal1]

I don’t think there is a protocol, it has to be weighed up on a case by case basis. Taking into account how severe the covid symptoms are, what other medications you are on and how likely you are to flare ( uncontrolled inflammation is as much a risk to immune system as immunosuppressive drugs).

[welsh12]

Have stopped mine for the week partly as a couple of months back I had a cold and sinus that lingered for a month when I stayed on Methotrexate

[HeadInASpin]

I have been told to resume medication after two negative tests. I thought I was negative a few days ago but the dreaded red line reappeared yesterday (very feint though). I have tested today and it is definitely negative now but it’s taken 11 days!

[MadisonCounty]

I recently had mild covid. My rheumy nurse told me to continue hydroxychloroquine but to miss 2 weeks of mtx. Then before resuming mtx to have a blood test because covid can affect liver and kidneys 😟 luckily my blood test was fine but I hadn't been told that before. (I've noticed food still doesn't taste the same almost 6 weeks later).

[SueBaker]

I had covid back in December and my meds (Methotrexate and Bengali) were stopped for a month. I did have the antivirals. I flared badly, immediately, and this was only pulled back under control in the last two weeks, so 6 months I've had a horrendous time with the arthritis. Ended up having to have both corticosteroid injection plus oral prednisolone to get it back to normal. So unless the covid was REALLY bad, I wouldn't stop my arthritis meds again.

[Firefighter1962]

Hi l also have COVID Rheumatology told me to stop taking Methotrexate

[lindyloo2018 in reply to Firefighter1962]

ok thanks, are you still taking hydroxy or other?

[Firefighter1962]

I'm only on folic acid and Methotrexate

[EmmaS-NRAS NRAS]

Hi lindyloo2018, as some others have said there is no current protocol on this, it's done on a case by case basis. depending on your disease activity and your medical history.

You may be advised to pause your medications if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19 but you should seek proper medical advice from speaking to 111 and ideally your rheumatology team but I understand it's not helpful if they're giving contradictory advice. I would try to call them and see if you can speak to your own rheumatologist if possible or their secretary.

If you need any further assistance, do give the NRAS Helpline a call on 0800 298 7650 or email [e-mail]

Hope your symptoms are mild and it passes quickly.

Best wishes

EmmaS-NRAS

[lindyloo2018 in reply to EmmaS-NRAS]

thanks, my disease is active have raised my mtx levels 6 weeks ago..

[Poshcards]

my rheumy says stop metho for 2 weeks when you have any infection c