Dry Mouth and Methotrexate

[13Lab]

I started s.c. Methotrexate a couple of months ago and am increasingly developing a dry mouth. This aggravates my erosive oral lichen planus.

Is this common with Methotrexate??

[virtualreality]

I'm not sure of the answer to that though do know it's recommended to be well-hydrated the day of / after each methotrexate dose, so it is possible. It definitely makes a difference for me if I don't drink enough water.

[cyberbarn]

I had a dry and sore mouth on methotrexate. At first everything seemed fine, at 3 months my PsA got better, I stopped feeling like I was walking through treacle. But by 6 months my mouth was dry, sore and bleeding, my joints got worse and then I started having severe abdominal pain 4 days after each injection. I stopped for the covid vax and I immediately felt better so I didn't go back on it.

That might not be the same for you, but if you are well hydrated and there isn't another reason for the dry mouth, and it is getting worse, it might be something to keep in mind.

[13Lab in reply to cyberbarn]

Thanks

[MerielPB]

Have your bloods been checked for Sjogren's? It is a common accompaniment to RA & causes a dry mouth because it attacks your salivary glands.

[Sainsburys]

I was on methotrexate a few years ago. Yes I had a dry mouth but found that to be a small price to pay for the relief of symptoms. Maybe dry mouth was not as bad for me. But always had auger free mints in my pocket

[13Lab in reply to Sainsburys]

Thanks … unfortunately combined with oral lichen planus it’s no fun since it makes OLP much worse!

[Heck]

I had mouth ulcers for a while and every few months bad flu symptoms I persevered and now ok have sore eyes but otherwise not to bad hope you’re feeling better soon x

[13Lab in reply to Heck]

👍

[Widget]

yes it is. I find it very annoying, I’ve increased what I drink & have to use sugar free gum/sweets to help too

[Jollyjill]

I am currently on MTX & have experienced neither any side effects nor impaired liver function. I find it safe and effective. Give it time! It’s the gold standard drug for this disease although understandably everyone reacts differently. Hope it works out for you!

[13Lab]

thanks… was previously in MTX for 10 years until LFTs went awry!

Then sulphasalazine for 10 years…now back to s.c. MTX with a lot more side effects… but I am a lot older!

[Colaba]

I do not have that problem. I continue to lead a, somewhat diminished life that is more affected by seriously buggered knees, for which, surgery, should it be appropriate, might be available in three or four years' time.

I am 85, it may be wastefully generous to contemplate providing such surgery when I am 89.

I have been told that the Methotrexate is working, and certainly I have few of the much publicised 'flares' and severe pains. Nocturnal events vary in intensity, similar to moderate, or occasionally, severe cramp in both legs. My wrists and fingers ache a little. I feel somewhat uncertain and, though naturally intellectually a bit arrogant, lack some of my former self-confidence.

Otherwise, I am, simply much weaker than before RA. A problem is, of course, one of perception. Enfeeblement, is, I suppose, a common condition as we approach our end.

Keep taking the tablets! Good luck.

Will

[Dudek]

I have been on methotrexate for seven years.For the last year ,I have had problems with my mouth.Very dry at night.I sometimes get up and drink some water to hydrate.Blood blisters on the inside of my mouth,which dont hurt and disappear after a few days.