Is Lemsip ok with methotrexate ?

[CagneysMum]

Hi all

Might be a daft question but does anyone know if it’s ok to take Lemsip with methotrexate?

Automatically reached for one last night when I started sneezing and my throat was sore/swollen …. but then started wondering whether it was ok.

[bpeal1]

Lemsip contains paracetamol. Do you already take paracetamol with methotrexate sometimes? If so it should be ok if not don’t. Any queries speak to your local pharmacist.

Personally I find hot lemon and honey tastes nicer and works just as well as lemsip. Put a good squeeze of lemon juice (either from a real lemon or from a bottle of lemon juice) and a teaspoon of honey in a mug and add boiling water, leave to cool for a few minutes before drinking. Adjust the quantities of lemon and honey to taste.

[CagneysMum in reply to bpeal1]

Thanks. I do take paracetamol but can’t have ibuprofen …. so while it seems ok I’ll give your honey and lemon drink a shot. Good advice 🙂👍

[TheBoys]

I take this and ibuprofen. In fact at times ibuprofen daily - no issues and Dr have confirmed this

[CagneysMum]

Medical options vary I suppose but my consultant discourages regular use of ibuprofen with methotrexate. 🤷‍♀️

[cyberbarn]

Don't fall into magical thinking with Lemsip. All it is is paracetamol, a decongestant like sudafed, and a bunch of chemicals. Better to do the hot lemon and honey and a separate decongestant if you need it and some paracetamol. Some people take a large dose of vitamin C as well.

And don't do what my ex used to do. He would do a lemsip, then add some extra paracetamol, extra sugar because he didn't have honey, thrown in some whisky for good measure, then wonder why he felt worse not better! The look on the face of our friend who was a GP when ex told everyone at the pub!

[WalkerintheLakes]

Hi there,

I always take Lemsip if I have a cold or virus and took it when I had Covid and I am on 20mg of methotrexate weekly. And I am your age!

Hope that helps,

S x