Should I have stopped methotrexate whilst I had an awful cold recently?

[MiloCollie]

I’ve had a really bad cough and head cold for over 6 weeks and it’s just settling now. Do you think I would have got better quicker if I’d withheld the metho???

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It would definitely have been worth asking your doctor! Did you go to the GP with it? MrsNails is the guru here!

[MiloCollie in reply to PMRpro]

no I never went cos I knew it was a virus. Even if I had I wouldn’t have thought to ask that. It’s something I’ve read on here that’s jogged my mind. !

[MrsNails]

Hi - the general rule is if it’s bad enough to put you in bed you should stop the MTX - if l get a Chest Infection l ALWAYS Stop the MTX but if you read the blurb it tells you to stop MTX if you are unwell as that could have contributed to how long the Cough & Cold lasted.

I stopped my MTX for a month when l had Covid.

Hoping you recover fully soon.

MrsN

[winfong in reply to MrsNails]

My rheumy had me stop leflunomide when I had Covid. I'm guessing this is advice for any kind of immunosuppressant then, no?

[MrsNails in reply to winfong]

Hi Winfong - yes they generally recommend we stop all immunosuppressants if unwell.

[Mamamia21 in reply to MrsNails]

Hi MrsNails, I didn't know this! I have had Covid since Tuesday and been taking Methotrexate and Baricitinib as usual. I am feeling a little better today but should I stop them for a while to give myself a chance to recover or as I feel as if I am on the mend now carry on doing what I am doing? Difficult one to answer for me I suppose 😊.

[MrsNails in reply to Mamamia21]

Personally l wouldn’t take your next MTX just give your body chance to recover. Do you have a Helpline to the Rheumy Nurses as they’ll be the best ones to advise you especially re the Baricitinib.

I didn’t take MTX for a month but l had a secondary Chest Infection for which l needed Antibiotics, l also had the Anti Virals which l believed helped.

Hope you Get Well Soon 💐

[Mamamia21 in reply to MrsNails]

Thanks MrsN I've left a message for the Rheumy nurse to get back to me. I have not taken my morning Baricitinib and will wait until I hear back from them. Next methotrexate is Tuesday so will ask about that one too.

[MrsNails in reply to Mamamia21]

Good Idea x

[Ronnie101 in reply to MrsNails]

Hi Mrs Nails, thanks, I'll stop my MTX now, as I have a really bad cold! I assume I keep on with pred, though (currently at 2 mg)?

[MrsNails in reply to Ronnie101]

Hi Ronnie - never give up the Pred & if anything you should speak to the Dr about possibly increasing it but as you are only on 2mg your adrenal glands may actually be working.

If your Chest becomes infected you may need to increase Pred for about 5days GP should advise & may prescribe Antibiotics.

Get Well Soon 🍀

[Ronnie101 in reply to MrsNails]

Thank you, have a good Christmas!

[MiloCollie in reply to MrsNails]

thanks mrsN. Too late now as I’m well on the mend but I’ll know for next time! X

[PMRCanada]

I have stopped Methotrexate fr two weeks a few times over the past year when taking antibiotics for diverticulitis and a nasty upper respiratory infection.