Methotrexate Advice Please.

[Barsel]

In July I was given a Rituximab infusion and had to go on Methotrexate 7.5g a week as I was told it helps the Rituximab work better.
After being on the Methotrexate for about 6 weeks, I developed a bad chest infection so was told to stop the Methotrexate but resume when I felt better.
I started taking it again this Monday just gone and already I am feeling wheezy and have a dry cough.

It's not the same as the cough I had before but I was wondering if the Methotrexate is causing this?

Does anyone know what would happen if I stop the Methotrexate permanently?

Many thanks for any answers. x

[bednobs]

you need to speak to the prescriber. It's not a medication to muck about with on a whim.

[Barsel]

Hi bednobs, it was prescribed by my rheumatologist at the hospital and I don't have an appointment to see him until March of next year.I wondered about going to see my GP but have done this in the past and feel they don't always give the right advice. Just wondered if it would make much difference if I were to stop the methotrexate. x

[bednobs]

yes, i think stopping the methotrexate could have an effect on the rituximab's effectiveness - have you found any benefit from the rituximab at all yet? Does you rheumatology dept have a rheumatology nirse or helpline you could call?
MTX is unlikely to cause such a short term immediate chest problem i think, however it will prevent an infection from healing as quickly as it normallywould

[Barsel]

Thanks for your very helpful advice bednobs. I do have an app with the nurse next month so I will stay on it for now and discuss it with her. x

[bednobs]

why not give her a ring in advance of the appointment to discuss?

[Retrochic]

I am on 25mg Methotraxate weekly by injection along with other DMARD'S and its not a drug to be messed with. When I was taking Methotraxate orally one of the side effects that had to be reported immediately was a dry cough so I would want to talk to a Rhuemy nurse asap if I were you.

[Barsel]

It's difficult to do that bednobs as she works at different hospitals and she is also doing a part time course at the moment so it isn't easy to track her down. If my cough gets worse though, I will leave her a message and hope she gets back me. It's not a productive chesty cough but I do find if I'm talking on the phone, I have to keep stopping to have a cough, and I often can hear myself wheezing.

[Barsel]

Thanks for your input Retrochic, I didn't know that. I did report when I had the chest infection but thought what I have now might be considered trivial in comparison. I'll see how it goes and if it's no better by Monday I'll email the nurse or leave her a message.x

[Eve]

I'd say similar to bednobs and retrochic, try and get in touch with the nurse or, if you can't get hold of her try the secretaries in your rheumatology department and see if they can arrange for someone to give you a ring back or advise you of the best course of action.

Some departments have a helpline you can ring, though if like mine you leave a message and it can be up to a couple of working days before they can get back to you.

I've had to keep off my biologic injections for a couple of weeks as I've got a bug I can't get rid of. Seems to be doing the rounds round here.

Keep in contact with your GP though in case you need any support with your chest/breathing. It's not a bad thing to have a regular GP who is up to date on your condition (medically and personally) and can support you where possible from their end.

It can be a pain of a drug where infections and such are concerned, especially at this time of year with lots of colds and bugs about. I never got on very well with it but it works great for some people and is a good base drug for other drugs if you can get settled on it.

Mtx can cause chest issues but, as bednobs says, not usually serious complications so early on, more likely a bug, infection or virus which is not helped by the mtx.

You need to speak with your nurse/consultant about it if it is causing you problems generally.

[Barsel]

Thanks Eve, At the moment I don't consider it to be too much of a problem so I'll see how it goes but if I don't feel it's improving, I will get in touch with them. Many thanks for all your replies. x