GCA and Methotrexate

[sookiesue]

I am now on 15mg of the above per week and 10mg Prednisolone per day. For the past six weeks I have had a very sore throat and a painful jaw. Does anyone know if Methotrexate causes a sore throat. Any info. would be gratefully received.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Cough and hoarseness as well as sores in the mouth are all side effects that should be reported to the doctor or specialist nurse without delay (i.e. not waiting until your next follow-up appointment I imagine).

What do you mean by jaw pain? Since you have a diagnosis of GCA it can flare and 15mg is certainly not enough to prevent that so do bear that in mind. Methotrexate has no influence on the GCA, it just alters the way your body processes the pred so you get more effect for the same dose.

[Runrig01]

I agree with PMRPro I have been on Azathioprine and have been told to report signs of sore throat and hoarseness immediately. It can be a sign of bone marrow suppression. I take it you are having regular blood tests?. i would contact your Rheumy nurse in the morning to discuss with them. Regards, Runrig x