swollen Ankles

[Phed]

Has anyone suffered with swollen ankles while on Methotrexate? I can’t see it on the side effects list but I’ve only suffered with them since being on Methotrexate, I started taking it in March this year.

[MrsNails]

Morning Phed; are you having your Blood Tests done regularly? - please give your Rheumatology Helpline a ring to let them know.MrsN

[Phed in reply to MrsNails]

Morning, I am having regular blood tests I’m of to get another one today, I’m down to every 2 months at the moment, I did wonder about phoning the rheumatologist but as I couldn’t see it on the list of side effects I wasn’t sure whether to or not, thank you for your advice I will ring them this morning.

[MrsNails in reply to Phed]

Always best to let them know as they are the experts on MTX if they are ‘happy’ then it’s to your GPAnd your blood tests are all OK?

And it’s good you’re having another blood test today.

[MrsNails in reply to MrsNails]

Phed - l’ve had a quick look & swollen ankles are listed as a Side Effect so definitely ring the Rheumatology Team this morning.

[Phed in reply to MrsNails]

Thank you, I have rang the Rheumatologist department and waiting for them to get back to me which I expect will be tomorrow.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I found MTX was accompanied by so-called pred effects that I had never had before - and I think pred may cause swollen ankles because of fluid retention. If MTX can increase the anti-inflammatory effect of pred, it can increase all other effects. Side effects are only the ones you don't want for the condition being treated! It does sometimes cause temporary weight gain because of fluid retention but it is more likely at higher doses.

[Phed in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for your reply, I’m only on 6mg of Pred now along with 15mg of MTX once a week, I have had occasional swollen ankles before when I started Pred in 2019 but for some reason since lowering the dose along with taking MTX they seem to have got worse and I seem to be getting lots more red ugly marks on my arms as well, I have been losing weight and my bmi has gone down which I thought would help the swollen ankles but no, I have phone up my rheumatologist and waiting for them to get back with some advice as also since dropping down a1mg I’m starting to feel the aches and pains in my shoulders and arms from PMR, the GCA has been under control for the past 3 years but this PMR seems more difficult to control (had it for year and a half).

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Phed]

After only 18 months it would be likely to be still in full swing if it were PMR pure although it is probably a symptom of your GCA as it is for a lot!! Check with them - do they consider MTX to be a replacement for pred? That is very rarely the case, and it only gets a small proportion to very low doses.

[MrsNails]

Let us know later what Rheumy recommends

[Phed in reply to MrsNails]

Thank you I will let you know what they come back with.

[Phed in reply to MrsNails]

I’ve just had my phone call from the rheumatologist department, as my ankles go down at night they have suggested I speak to the Doctor as she seems to think it could be more to do with my blood pressure pills rather than Pred, I have just gone up from 4mg to 8mg on blood pressure medication so I will give the a call and see what they say.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Phed]

Does it list anything under side effects in the patient leaflet - and what’s name of medication?

[Phed in reply to DorsetLady]

I’m on Candessartan, it does list swollen ankles and feet as one of the possible side effects unfortunately,.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Phed]

I’m on them as well - but no swollen ankle issues thankfully, but then I’m not on Pred any more…

Guess you have to see what GP says - if you’ve only just increased dose, it may only be temporary. Hope so..

[Supertiger303]

I certainly have very swollen ankles whilst on Pred which is now down from 20 to 18 mg per day