Methotrexate side effects mimics Covid

[suelm]

About 24 hours after taking methotrexate I am nauseous, ache, have a headache and generally feel under the weather for about 48hours.

This week I also had a slight cough which was the least of my worries, it was only when my son felt the same and tested positive for covid that I took the test and also found myself positive. I keep a diary of my polymyalgia symptoms and was able to pinpoint when I think the Covid started, I have been to work since then.

I thought it was worth pointing out that it could be worth checking for covid even though it feels like your normal medication side effects!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

A very valid point - I bet an awful lot of cases of CV have been missed because the symptoms have been thought to be something, anything else!

Get well soon

[SheffieldJane]

I would be inclined to pause the methotrexate while you fight the Covid. Check with your doctor. I am one week into Covid and it’s been challenging. Get well soon.

[tangocharlie]

I was told to pause the methotrexate for a few weeks when I got Covid a few months ago. Check with your rheumatologist or rheumatology advice line. Best wishes for a speedy recovery, and REST as fatigue is part of Covid. PS I was toally wiped out for 2-3 days fter the mtx jab, I had to give it up as I could take it no more

[suelm]

I have made the journey through Covid believing the symptoms to be my methotrexate side effects so continued my medication.

I am now well on the mend, thank you, after 10 days, my son is very sympathetic appreciating what MX does to me every week!

[Hadley1234]

I was put on prednisolone and Methotrexate when i first got PMR, the Methotrexate made me sick felt like i had half a brain and ached all over, i then got Pnemonia and was in hospital on a drip for 4 days and taken off them, i am now on an infusion drug Tocilazbah, which has been very good.