Covid jab and pausing methotrexate

[Ann1A]

Hello, please can anyone help with a covid jab/methotrexate question... I have problems with my memory but I am fairly sure there were posts about a published report saying Methotrexate could stop the jab taking effect, and to stop taking it for 2 weeks ... but am I misremembering, and if not was it 2 weeks before the jab, or after ?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Recent post on subject -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It doesn't stop developing an immune reaction with any vaccine but it does reduce it. It is the 2 doses AFTER the vaccination that should be omitted. Applies for the flu jab too - that is where it was originally investigated.

[autumnlass in reply to PMRpro]

I asked the surgery receptionists about this very question and they didn’t know - I also asked the chief pharmacist at Boots and he said it doesn’t make any difference! I sent an email to Rheumy’s Secretary 10 days ago and still waiting for reply!! 🤔🤷‍♀️ Thank you PMRpro for echoing my thoughts about this subject too! 😊

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to autumnlass]

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/375....

sciencedirect.com/science/a...

thelancet.com/journals/lanr...

The original work was done in RA patients on MTX having their flu jabs - I can;t find the original paper but this is an NHS advisory. PMR is also an inflammatory immune-mediated disorder, the same will apply.

orchardsurgerydereham.co.uk...

The chief pharmacist obviously reads novels before bed ...

[piglette]

When I had my vaccine I was asked if I were taking methotrexate.

[jls93]

my personal methotrexate experience which were pre-covid in the USA: I tried methotrexate (pill form) in an attempt to help me wean off preg and it was unsuccessful. As to the the covid vaccine while on preg ( I was working in healthcare / direct patient care); first dose mild PMR sx flare, second I had a 6 week flare, 3rd prolonged exacerbation of PMR (not good). My memory has been effected too which can be unsettling for sure. I personally maintain a journal of symptoms, sleep, medication, etc. Hope this answered your question. If not I will try to clarify. BTW my current PMR régime precludes live virus vaccines ( covid is not). I have avoided vaccines since last covid booster and are cautious with potential exposure to respiratory germies. I have sleep apnea. Contextually, all these events have occured over to course of years e.g. multiple preg sparing strategies concurrently with gradual taper regimes.Currently I am stable. Best to you.

[Ann1A in reply to jls93]

Lovely to know you are currently stable, for you and for the rest of us, that it's possible! Yes I too keep a log. I have asked Rheumy to come off Methotrexate as I feel it is doing no good at all, none, zilch nada. But the rheumy said 'Ah, you don't know what you'd be like without it' !

[jls93]

You and I are walking the path, easy to infer that you may be worse after stopping , however even that would require you to try.... pursue your health methodically and consistently as an informed patient. Methotrexate did not work for me and I did give it a good try. There was an option for me to self inject but after 9-12 month try ,i called it quits and went on to another intervention. Meanwhile I was also going through a series of ortho pedic surgeries, to which I did have to stop the methotrexate briefly prior to procedures. My rheumatologist and I have been working together since 2018, and I think the world of her skill, care and our clinical relationship. Hang in there, best to you. Sincerely Jeff

[Poshcards]

my rheumy says 2 weeks after jab xx

[Ann1A in reply to Poshcards]

Thankyou