Covid booster and methotrexate

[Bibberty]

Good afternoon all.

I am on 18mg of predicted and 15mg methotrexate. I was put on mtx approximately 5months ago, even though my inflammation levels were high. I was told I was being closely monitored and 'no news is good news' in relation to inflammatory markers. Fortunately I questioned my rheumatologist, the specialist nurses and g.p. Eventually I got an answer.

Since then I said I wanted to increase pred and reduce inflammation. This has worked and have been settled for nearly 2 months and have begun a DSNS reduction. I am monitoring my own inflammation as have no trust in health care. They still want me to reduce 2 mg a month which I have refused as am sick of yo yo impact on PMR.and GCA.

I am supposed to have another covid booster tomorrow, I don't know whether to take Methotrexate tonight and can't get through to rheumatologist.

Also I was at A&E with breathlessness and palpitations in April, blood results ct scan and xray show no heart or lung issues.

I had some palpitations yesterday but they have reduced a lot.

Thank you for your time and would be lost without this brilliant forum

Ann

[piglette]

I was asked when I had my vaccine was I taking Methotrexate. It seems patients on MTX show a significantly lower mean antibody response compared with others.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I think general advice is to stop MTX temporarily when you have covid vaccine -so I wouldn’t take tonight’s -sure others in your situation will be along shortly to advise.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It is now generally accepted that stopping the MTX for a couple of weeks to allow the immune system to have a good chance of responding to the vaccine is beneficial. You can't stop the pred - but the combination of both drugs has a very immunosuppressive effect.

[Bibberty in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for your helpful reply and information. Always feel supported by you and all the members.

[PMRCanada]

I was advised to get my 3rd jab before starting MTX, and to hold the MTX for two weeks before I get my next booster.

[Blackcat1M]

Hello I am taking 5mg pred and 20mg oral mtx.I take my mtx on a Tuesday, and on Wednesday I am having a spring booster ,so I will miss this weeks and next week mtx but still rake my pred.

This advice was given to me by one of our GPs that is really knowledgeable about mtx(that’s when you can get to see him)

I hope this helps

[Bibberty in reply to Blackcat1M]

Thank you for your reply, it's very helpful.