Are methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine anti inflammatory? Should I be lowering my dose?

Annszoff

Are methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine anti inflammatory drugs? Should I be lowering my dose?

Ellen

Annszoff

Until the Helpline Team come along I will try to help a little.

Methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquine are both DMARDS disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/disease-modifying-anti-rheumatic-drugs-dmards/

The current advice is that you should not stop taking your medications unless advised to do so by your rheumatologist or rheumatology nurse.

By stopping your medication, you're more likely to have a ‘flare’, which could make you more likely to pick up an infection.

If you have concerns about your medication, speak to a member of your healthcare team.

This quote is from our coronavirus page which contains the latest updated advice and links concerning the current crisis.

Ellen

Annszoff

Thanks Ellen. It’s pretty scary right now!

helpline_team

Hi Annszoff

(and thanks Ellen - we are very busy on the Helpline at the moment)

The discussions on social media about anti-inflammatories originated from remarks by the French Health minister about the effect of anti-inflammatories in the treatment of Covid19.

The current NHS advice is ' there is currently no strong evidence that ibuprofen can make coronavirus (Covid-19) worse... until we have more information, take paracetamol to treat the symptoms of coronavirus, unless your doctor has told you paracetamol is not suitable for you'.

But the advice remains for people to take the medication prescribed by their doctor.

Best wishes Guy - Helpline Advisor

helpline_team

Hi Annszoff

I realise I've not answered your question entirely - methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine are not anti-inflammatory drugs. They are disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs DMARDS.

These drugs are used in the treatment of various forms of inflammatory arthritis and have an impact on the way the immune system works, thus hopefully reducing inflammation.

I hope that's ok.

All the best Guy