Methotrexate and lung problems

Frickle
Frickle Member Posts: 1
edited 26. Sep 2024, 13:23 in Living with arthritis

Hello all! I'm new here... Came on because I was sick of being bombarded with emails on HealthUnlocked and my rheumatologist was disparaging about it. I'm in remission, and on Adalimumab and Methotrexate and I've just had a nasty bout of Covid with two infections one after the other, plus a chest infection. Paxlovid didn't work. I've been coughing for months and kept going to the GP who said it was my asthma... Now I read that Methotrexate can cause shortness of breath (yes) and a persistent cough! I'm also worried about my kidneys, with dark pee (sorry) unless I drink far more water than is normal... Why hasn't anyone joined the dots?? I'm astonished that neither my consultant or the GP has said anything about this. Anyways... What I'm wondering is whether anyone else has had similar problems and switched to another DMARD? TIA!

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Comments

  • annabanana
    annabanana Moderator Posts: 51

    Hi @Frickle first of all, welcome to the community, it's lovely to have you here 😊!

    Do you get your blood regularly monitored with methotrexate? That should have picked up any issues with your kidneys (but then again it could be something they missed) - I'd recommend trying to get a GP or rheumatology appointment and advocate for yourself until they listen, I have attached a link which you may find useful.

    It's important to remember that medication is different for everyone. Still, I have recently had a similar experience where I've had to stop methotrexate and sulfasalazine due to it damaging my liver - I'm waiting for blood test results to see if it is safe to continue with the MTX or if I need to switch to different medications.

    I hope everything works out for you and that you continue to add to the community!

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2023/june/how-can-i-prepare-for-a-doctor-s-appointment-if-i-have-arthritis/

  • heather01
    heather01 Member Posts: 2

    Hi I was diagnoised in 2017 and put on methatrexine. 2 month later I was at work and this intense pain ripped through my chest and I was diagnosed with a collapsed lung. The doctor at A&E said methatrexate could of contributed to this. But I also have several lung conditions. I was changed to hydrochlixine. But R&A can cause lung conditions as my chest doctor tells me. Have you read about methatrexine but would ask your doctor to review your meds and symptoms. Good luck xx

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