MtX or am I just unlucky?

[krillemy]

I have been on 20 mg MtX for now 3 weeks, titrating up over 3 months. I just recvered from an UTI that has needed 2 rounds of antibiotics (hope to be clear now) and 3 weeks of a milder cold virus! Then for 2-3 days I was well and then again down with a severe cold, lasting now 2 weeks and it is progressing into a sinus issue!

OMG – I have grandchildren, that are constantly ill, and my husband has also been down with the 3 week cold, but really?

Is this a coincidence or is it the 12,5 mg with now added 20 mg MtX?

[Koalajane]

I am only on prednisolone but have not had colds in my 6 years of being on prednisolone

[123-go in reply to Koalajane]

Snap!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I've never had excess colds just on pred though some do. But if this has started since MTX, you do have to suspect it is playing a role. Did you stop the MTX while on the abx? You should have.

[krillemy in reply to PMRpro]

No I did not pause, but if the UTI comes back I guess I will. My GP said nothing other than the reason for the UTI could be MtX, and I had no fever. Also I am actually doing so well PMR wice, and for the first time the swelling on ankles and knogles are falling. So I do not want to blur the picture hoping that MtX is what is helping the PMR, so I can start reducing pred. - goal 7,5 mg

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to krillemy]

Were you not told before you started it that you should miss doses if you are ill with an infection and/or are put on antibiotics? It is standard practice.

[krillemy in reply to PMRpro]

Here they say the same except for UTI. Other infections that calls for antibiotics or gives feber requireba break from mtx. But I’ll ask the rheum next time.

[PMRCanada]

Last winter when I was on 7.5mg pred and 25mg MTX, I was sick with everything going and suspected it was from being on both medications and being run down from the stress of grieving the deaths of my mom and step dad. I had to hold my MTX weeks at a time while on ABX for diverticulitis and during times of chest colds. I’ve never had a UTI while on pred or MTX. I too have 4 grandkids that generously share their sickness.

After a discussion with my rheumy we decided to lower my MTX dose down to 15mg and I’m currently tapering down to 5.5mg pred. I’m hoping I manage better this winter.

Sounds like the MTX may be doing some good however you may want to discuss the dose with your doctor/rheumy if you are finding that you easily get sick and its difficult to recover (lengthy recovery).

My GP recommended the one-time pneumonia shot to me given my history last winter but mentioned I would hold my MTX dose for one week prior to boost its efficacy.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to PMRCanada]

Why the week before? Studies show it is the weeks after that are crucial.

[PMRCanada in reply to PMRpro]

Oops…meant week after.

[krillemy]

Thanks - an I am sorry for your loss. Sounds pretty much like me, with the children and the lengthy recovery. Even the diverticulitis, however I had a colon resection last December and have had no symptoms of that since. I'll need to talk to the Rheumy next month.. Good luck with the coming winther!

[dphu]

I had been on 10mg of MTX to enhance the prednisone (40mg) effect. I was in initially on Pred and MTX to treat PMR but my MTX was increased from 15 mg to 20 to treat. unhealing leg ulcers. After 2 weeks I became very very unwell. Hospitalised for 5 weeks. Still recovering slowly 2 years later.

Looking back, on the MTX I had been losing my hair and was not very well, but able to live my life OK .

I was eventually diagnosed with Methotrexate induced pulmonary Pneumonitis.

if you suspect you have had an adverse effect from MTX, I would stop it immediately.

Good luck

X

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to dphu]

"but my MTX was increased from 15 mg to 20 to treat. unhealing leg ulcers."

That seems a strange thing to do - not only can MTX CAUSE ulcers, it also can adversely affect wound healing!

[dphu in reply to PMRpro]

OK but what can you do when it’s prescribed by your dermatologist and it was months or years before I had found this site❗️

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to dphu]

Well yes - but it is concerning when doctors use drugs they don't know about ...