Pref Mtx and antibotics

[Doublef]

Last week I was emergency admitted to hospital with an unknown virus.I was in for 6 days I was sent home because it could not treated. What did worry me was I was immediately taken off Mtx by the consultant said I could not take them because I was put on antibiotics for a chest infection. who then thought a thumb pressure test on my temples would solve the problem. I am still coughing short of breath and wheezing with a high pulse rate, but I am back on Mtx if it happens again should I up the Pred.?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

This is advice re MTX -

Methotrexate lowers the body's resistance and there is a chance that you may get an infection more easily. We would suggest that you do not take your Methotrexate whilst you have an active infection that is sufficiently severe for you to need antibiotics.

I have no experience of MTX, but not sure you should be back on it if you still have an infection… think you should double check with your Rheumy team.. and also ask them what you should do if it reoccurs.

Hope a regular user of MTX will be along with advice idc…

[Doublef in reply to DorsetLady]

I don't want to be house bound for ever worried about what I might catch next so I am going to come off Mtx. Should I take more Pred I'm on 30 mg. Mtx will probably be in my system until Thursday. I'm 77 tomorrow and feel that worrying about about long term steroids effects is not number one priority.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Doublef]

Not sure more Pred is going to help with shortness of breath wheezing morose rate.

If fact think you need to contact GP tomorrow -they should have notes about your hospital stay…or if you can’t get through to them then NHS 111.. .

Hope you soon feel better -you’ve had a tough time recently.

[Doublef in reply to DorsetLady]

will do along with rhumatology thank you

[PMRrunner]

I take methotrexate and prednisolone and although I haven't needed antibiotics I was advised to stop Methotrexate if I am ever prescribed them. I also stopped Methotrexate when I had Covid and shingles and didn't restart until I was fully recovered

[Doublef in reply to PMRrunner]

Thank you, I'm looking to come of Mtx alltogether.

[Blackcat1M]

When I go on antibiotics I immediately stop taking mtx as told by my doctors, and I believe if you look in your mtx booklet it will give advice.

I have again a chest infection and could not get a doctor appointment but, have stopped mtx.

Take care

[Doublef in reply to Blackcat1M]

Thank you

[Elbowpiece]

I'm on MTX and have been told by Rheumy nurse, twice now,to come off MTX for at least two weeks for even a sore throat. I did, sore throat bettrr back on MTX no problems.

[Doublef in reply to Elbowpiece]

My chest infection sorted but virus still in my system and the consultant told me I was in even more risk in hospital, so came home.Thank you

[PMRCanada]

I too have stopped my MTX while on antibiotics (for diverticulitis, chest infection) up to 2 weeks. Last winter I was sick repeatedly with all the sicknesses going around and even required puffers. At that time I was on 7.5 mg pred and 25mg MTX (weekly injections). I did also experience the stress and grief associated with the death of 2 loved ones within 2 months.

After consulting with my Rheumy in March we decided to lower my MTX dose to 15mg, and I’m currently on 6mg pred, so fingers crossed I won’t be as ill this winter. I’m also avoiding my twin grandsons (3.5years) when they are ill as they like to share!

Lastly I did stop my MTX once for 3 weeks and horrible symptoms returned (so I know it’s helping in some way), however it may mean that it takes that long to get out of your system.

I’ve been told by my doctor that you can stop MTX abruptly (unlike pred), but if it is indeed helping with PMR symptoms, stopping it may result in an increase in your pred dose to address increased symptoms. For some MTX doesn’t seem to make any difference or it makes them feel awful (in which case it’s not used as a steroid sparer to reduce the pred dose). In some cases MTX can cause a persistent cough or breathlessness therefore monitoring its use is important (including consistent bloodwork).

I hope you get some relief sooner than later.

[Doublef in reply to PMRCanada]

I still feel absolutely awful, nausea, sore throat, ulcers, stomache ache and gasping for breath after 3 days of the last dose no way am I ever going to take it again, I don't think I would get through the winter.I hope you are successful with your treatment

[KASHMIRI1]

I take Methotrexate and was told at the outset that If I had any type of cough to stop immediately and seek advice.

[Doublef in reply to KASHMIRI1]

I have been told to increase folic acid and I have improved today

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Doublef]

Good to hear…

[KASHMIRI1 in reply to Doublef]

Thats great I hope it does the trick for you.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to KASHMIRI1]

Thank goodness some doctors take it seriously!

[KASHMIRI1]

My rheumy is very good. Leaves me to it as well as giving good advice