hi i have been diagnosed with rhumatiod athritus for over 18 months,

[D4bky]

i am currently on methotrexate and sulfasalzine, i am also a type 1 diabetic and have just discovered i might be pregnant, i could really do with some advice as i am usure how this affects my ra treatment ......

[Beth58]

Hi

You must STOP taking MTX and Sulpha immediately they can have an adverse effect on baby. You must also speak to your doctor and have a pregnancy test a.s.a.p as the MTX will need to be washed out your system.

In fact I'd go so far as to say you must speak to a health professional tonight, ring NHS direct on 0845 4647 for advice.

Sorry I don't want to panic you, but I feel it's important for the pregnancy you get advise now.

Beth xx

[Beth58 in reply to Beth58]

Also, RA can go into remission during pregnancy so usually no problems when you stop treatment, it's the medications you need to be careful as they can affect baby.

[D4bky]

thank you x

[Beth58 in reply to D4bky]

Please let me know how you get on. Good luck xx

[bpeal1]

As Beth said you need to stop MXT straight away. If necessary you can sulphasalazine when you are pregnant. I took it all the way through my pregnancy. It is not licenced but there are no known side effects and loads of people stay on it. It just means lots of extra scans but as a diabetic you would probably have those anyway. Good luck.

Becky

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Hi D4bky,

Oh what a lot going on. First of all you need to see your doctor ASAP, you need to try to see your rheumatologist as well if possible as they are more knowledgeable about the drugs and their effects than the GP.

You should take a test as soon as you can, do you have a supermarket nearby? I do know my periods have become very upset since I was diagnosed last year, so you may well find it could be that, I am now around every 5-6 weeks (could previously set my watch by them).

It is very important you speak to a medical professional and I think once you have results either way you may need to look at changing your rheumatologist, as they really should have warned you about taking as many precautions as possible against becoming pregnant. So sorry, hope we have not all panicked you but it is very important that you get professional advice regarding what to do. We can advise you based on the knowledge we have but by and large there are risks of MTX on an unborn child.

I know there are some drugs you can continue to take throughout pregnancy but also as Beth rightly said you can go into remission during pregnancy. Again you should discuss with your rheumatologist/GP ASAP. Sorry can't pass any knowledge re; diabetes.

Best of luck and take care x

[D4bky]

thank you for all of your advise.

i have stopped the mtx and salf for now after speaking to nhs direct and my gp , appointment for tommorow.

i was told about the risks and seriousness of getting pregnant and took the relevant precautions to avoid this! and still ended up pregnant even tho i have been with my partner for over 3 years.

i am still very concerned about the risks to me and my baby.

thank you for all your advise! x

[Beth58 in reply to D4bky]

Hi, I'm so glad you sought prompt advice, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you and wish you well with the pregnancy (that's if it turns out you are pregnant). xxx

[PattiB]

I was warned against falling pregnant while taking methotrexate, I would speak to your specialist as a matter of urgency. Mine is really good, if I ring he sees me next day. Have a long wait at the clinic usually but that is fair enough. Good luck.

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Keep us informed how you get on and good luck xx