Methotrexate and Coronavirus

[Sin123]

Apologies if this topic has already been posted but as an SLE patient on methotrexate I just wondered if anyone has had a conversation with their doctor on the possible increased risks with being on this medication? I’m assuming we’re very much in the ‘at risk’ category?

[Sin123]

Thanks for your input everyone. Self care seems to be the key point at this juncture.

[Freckle1000]

Hi Sin 123,

I think you're bringing up an important topic.

I'm on prednisolone and micophenolate and I've been purposely kept immuno - suppressed to the point where my lymphocytes etc. are just a little low - so fighting off this virus would be a problem for me.

When I asked my GP what to do if the corona virus hits - I don't think he knew the answer ? and just stated that we'd probably have a vaccine in six months time.

I'm from Australia and today the governments declared it a pandemic - and is planning for the population to be effected on a larger scale. They seem to think wide scale infection is fairly inevevitable but can't say how serious this will become.

We've been given hints to stockpile about two weeks worth of food- and if you have a chronic illness to make sure you have plenty on medicine on hand for that period. To be honest - I'm stockpiling as much medicine as I'm able.

I'm seeing a new Rheumatologist next week and will definately be asking the same question - but my amateur guess would be that for me - my lyphopenia is caused by the medications - not the illness itself so if I get into a situation where it becomes serious and obvious I'd catch it soon - I think I'd reduce my meds to - barely enough to control the Lupus level ? ( Unless I can find a Doctor who can advise me otherwise 😖 )

I don't know what the Lupus inflammatory response would be to this thing ) I wonder if anybody knows ?

I'm sort of starting to shop in order that if it hits - I'll be able to stay away from it as long as humanly possible - as I think we probably will be quite vaulnerable to it as a patient group.

It's definately is time to start thinking about this thing seriously.

[Krazykat26]

Hi Sin 🤗

I haven't asked any docs about it.. I'm on methotrexate too now but was on a different immunosuppressant for 18mths before that.

Being immune suppressed freaked me out at the start n I thought I'd pick up infection really quickly..but I haven't.. hubby's had a couple of colds n I've been ok!!

My secret is the regular use of tea tree oil..I use it alot!! It's anti fungal, anti viral, antibiotic properties make it an all round 🥊🥊🥊

I have daily gargles with it coz any virus that's airborn will find its way in through nose n mouth..u can also add it to any handwashing product for added protection..I tend to use it without soap..I soak a flannel in some water with a couple of drops n then wipe my hands thoroughly with the flannel.

There r so many uses for tea tree oil n it's inexpensive to buy n economic to use coz u only use a few drops at a time!!

The advice in the UK is to phone 111if u think u have it..I went for bloods this week n there was a big notice up in pathology saying if u think u have coronavirus DO NOT come to the hospital!! 🤔

If u fancy getting a bottle of tee tree oil in..I'd happily share my tips!!

Most of all try not to get too worried or stressed coz u know what happens when we get stressed..right!?!?

Take care

Kat 😽😽 xx

[KayHimm]

I think this is an excellent question. From what I have read the biggest concern are the elderly and the immunosuppressed. Anyone on immunosuppressants who shows any signs of the virus should probably be in touch with her doctor immediately. I think the main thing is supportive care and possibly taking people off medications if necessary.

Maybe others have information to share.

Hoping for the best for you!

XK

[BookishVibes]

Hi Sin123, I totally understand your concerns. I had my first Rituximab infusion on Tuesday this week, and I work in Central London. I'm panicking a bit about going back to work next week, using the tube network and being in an office. I didn't think to ask the nurses about it. Now I'm really worried. If anyone gets an advice from their doctor or nurse please do share it.

[Sin123 in reply to BookishVibes]

Following on from my earlier post. A doctor on BBC Radio today gave advice to a caller asking about immune suppressants and crohns (although obviously not lupus it’s an auto immune disease). Her medical advice was to absolutely keep taking your immune suppressants but to contact your doctor now to seek clarification on what course of action to take should an epidemic occur in the UK (or your part of the world). With this in mind I’ve contacted my rheumatologist’s office today and requested advice on this basis. I’ll update this thread further as and when I have an update from her. Hope this helps - at least in part.

[Wendy39]

Someone did post about this recently. I’ll try to find it and post the link.

[NewEngland3]

Im on plaquenil, cellcept AND tacrolimus--finally helping my lupus nephritis and as soon as that happened within weeks the corona virus was pronounced a pandemic...sometimes I feel not matter how hard I try its a matter of fate.like I just cant get a panic-free break..not loosing faith though

I will email my doc -who is top ranked lupus doc and email back here Monday.