MTX - virus

[ABwn]

Have managed to catch the current virus doing the rounds. Has anyone who is taking mtx stopped until fully recovered from virus? It's the coughing thro the night I'm having problems with.

[3LittleBirds2]

Hi Abwn

Sorry to read you’ve caught this horrible virus.

I had it just before Xmas, I had to stop my medication whist on Antibiotics for the chest infection, then checked with GP I was was clear to restart it, as always best to check with your GP or Hospital Team.

Hope you feel better soon x

[ABwn in reply to 3LittleBirds2]

Thank you 3lìttleBirds2. I'm lucky in that I already had an appointment with the GP for tomorrow so will confirm with her. Unfortunately the GP I now have isn't the one I started this path on. At times it's a bit like teaching someone starting a new job!

[3LittleBirds2 in reply to ABwn]

Hi, Oh yes I agree, don’t think I’ve ever seen the same GP twice in years. The reason I went to the GP as my cough turned into a chest infection and I needed my chest listened to before restarting my meds and if the infection had cleared. Best wishes

[treble-ringer]

I stopped Mtx while I had it, though I'm afraid I didnt bother the GP, just reckoned I'd been here before!

[ABwn in reply to treble-ringer]

Thank you treble-ringer. Always good to have confirmation that others do the same.

[Dawn7]

Sorry to hear you are unwell. I must admit that I did the same as treble-ringer. I just stopped MTX till I felt well enough, then back on asap. But any doubts always best to check with GP or pharmacist. I hope you feel much better soon.

[ABwn in reply to Dawn7]

Thanks Dawn7. Good to have confirmation.

[Drmjl18]

I had the cough for around 3 weeks in total over the festive period. As you mention, coughing a lot when lying down.

Came off MTX immediately it started and waited until clear. I didn’t contact my rheumy team as have been through it with them before and was told to stop MTX in these circumstances.

Good luck!

[MidWhitgiftian in reply to Drmjl18]

Whooping Cough?

[ABwn in reply to MidWhitgiftian]

Had whooping cough as a child and this isn't. Just a normal cough/cold with cough disturbing sleep!!

[MidWhitgiftian in reply to ABwn]

Also had Whooping' as a child, and then the same symptoms as your good self. GP diagnosed Whooping Cough, There's a lot of it about, quote. Am still having the odd Whoop', 2 months later. Off Mtx8 during subsequent two doses of Antibiotic. Different cough?

[GinnyE]

I stopped methotrexate when I had bronchitis and was taking antibiotics. GP told me to.

[3LittleBirds2 in reply to GinnyE]

Same here!

[RAGuy]

Sorry you are unwell.

If I got anything that my body was having to fight off I always stopped my MTX. I would then wait to up to 3 days before restarting it. I did check with my RA team once and they agreed it was a sensible move.

[ABwn]

Thanks for your reply. My mistake is going back onto mtx too quickly! I'm now on prolia so appear to be catching anything that's going round far too quickly. Have a pain free 2025

[Popinjay]

yes i came off it for about 3 weeks until symptoms were gone i rang the RA clinic hot line for advice.

Have you tried vick on the soles of your feet at night worked for me Feel better soon

[J1707-]

I was told any virus etc to stop all RA meds. They are designed to suppress our immune system systems so we can’t fight infection or virus .

[ABwn in reply to J1707-]

Thanks for your reply J1707. It's good to get confirmation that you're doing the right thing.

[WilfDog]

Hi If you've contracted an infection I've always been advised if taking DMARDS or biologics to stop them whilst an infection present, but it is best to talk to your GP or rheumatologist.

I caught it a few days ago and haven't taken my biologic this week and won't until its gone.

I hope you feel better really soon xx