MXT and antibiotics

[jessiem]

Has anyone had a tooth infection and been prescribed antibiotics while on MXT. Dentist advised that I ask GP which antibiotic is safe to take. GP can only advise not to take Amoxicillin but not what to take - said dentist should know. He clearly doesn’t so Im stuck in the middle! Any advise appreciated. I’m on MXT 20mg and Pred 5mg.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

MTX and antibiotics

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.

… that info should be in your MTX booklet.

[jessiem in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks DL - my MXT was due today and I’ve not taken it. Neither GP or Dentist mentioned it. Neither did Rheumy nurse.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to jessiem]

Might expect GP and dentist not to know -but Rheumy nurse certainly should 😳

[SnazzyD]

A pharmacist would know for sure but really you need to ask the doctor about not taking MTX while you have an active infection. They should have told you to stop when asked if antibiotics were ok with MTX.

[jessiem in reply to SnazzyD]

yes - they should have. I’ve not taken my dose of MXT today.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

When on abx - NO MTX so WHICH abx is used is immaterial.

As for the nurse not knowing - that is appalling!!!

[Blackeye-susan]

I was bit by a tick a few weeks ago. I got this bullseye ring and the doctor said it could be Lyme disease so gave me an antibiotic, doxycycline. I took it with no issues with methotrexate. I am on 20 MG methotrexate., 6 mg prednisone. That antibiotic is also used for tooth infection.

[jessiem in reply to Blackeye-susan]

Thank you

[Meggie22]

I have a card which states

Alert this patient is taking methotrexate once a week

DO NOT prescribe Trimethoprim

Or Co-trimoxazole (Septrin)

Seek advice before taking over the counter medicines

Regular blood monitoring is required

Given to me when first prescribed methotrexate at the rheumatology dept at the hospital.

[jessiem in reply to Meggie22]

Thank you. I’ve now had this confirmed by another rheumy nurse.