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sore throat and headache with mtx

Posted , 10 users are following.

sue20289
sue20289

Hi. I've been taking metatrextate 12.5mg for about 10 weeks. I've been lucky in that I've not experienced any side effects really. However in the last week I've had a sore throat and headache - every evening (not in daytime). Should I be worried about this and tell my rheumatology nurse?

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • colin13638
    colin13638 sue20289

    Posted

    Hi sue

    You don't say where you live

    Only I have contact with a specialist nurse that will get back to me within 24 hrs

    I live in kent and rely on them about once a year but when I do need them it is very helpful plus I don't have to pay where some people in different contrives have to pay

    I have been on methotrexate for about 15 years now and I do get on with it

    When I take mine on Friday 10mg the next day I feel like I've go a hangover after a couple of hours it fads away

    I would just pass it by your ruematologist just so it's on record to compare at other appointments

    Don't be scared to tell them everything you see is different as every body is different

    Good luck

    Colin

    • tami413
      tami413 colin13638

      Posted

      I had all the horrid side effects and the strange sore throat and burning was the beginning of the allergic reaction. I felt as if my throat burned to point I thought I could feel my esophagus. Then I got the hives and that drove me crazy. This was after 2nd 15mg dose. Strange. Everyone on here are my greatest resources!!! Someone (a lot) suggested turmeric with curcumin. I've seen my ankles and feet not swollen for first time in about two years - I actually have an ankle!!! It excites me so. The depression is bad now - from Fibro and other pain but this forum is helping. I'm going school clothes shopping with my Son to a mall and walk around..this is huge. TURMERIC w/curcumin. Thank you friends on this board I love you all!!!

    • sherry29159
      sherry29159 tami413

      Posted

      Good to hear! Yes tumeric is my best friend too since being on here. Its a great forum.
  • Gloria814
    Gloria814 sue20289

    Posted

    I would let the doctor or nurse know.  You didn't say if you had a temp.   I was unable to even take low dose--10mg of MTX without running a temp of 101.8 and chills/  headache/ flu like symtoms.   I am able to take 7.5mg but that is not a sufficient dose to take care of RA.    I will start humira soon which really scares me but I have several joints involved so I just don't want to do nothing.  I do take tumeric and have taken it for quite awhile.   It can't hurt but I am not sure how much it really helps with the pain.   I also take Fish Oil and evening Primrose Oil

      i definitely had headache and a sore throat when taking the MTX but they were relatively mild.   Good luck!      

  • Rowbirdie
    Rowbirdie sue20289

    Posted

    Are you sure it s the methotrexate causing this? You have been 10 weeks without side effects. But mxt does lower immune system so could you be fighting off a cold ? In those circumstances I try to drink more water, take paracetamol, gargle with top and get a lot of sleep. If it doesn't get better- or turn into a full blown infection (in which case you must get antibiotics from dr )then mention it to your rheumy.

  • sue20289
    sue20289

    Posted

    I really appreciate everyone's thoughts about my post, and thanks for taking the time to respond. I will let my nurse know, and hopefully it is just a cold.

    • sherry29159
      sherry29159 sue20289

      Posted

      It does seem strange after such a long time after starting the MXT and it could be something minor due to your lower immune system. Take care tho.
    • shirlee86000
      shirlee86000 sherry29159

      Posted

      Hi sherry

      I have been on methotrexate for about 10 weeks I haven't been feeling good this month either, I have had heartburn a lot, these hive things growing on the palms of my hands, anyway cutting a long story short I went to see my RA nurse yesterday for my monthly visit and had my blood monitoring done as usual then this morning told to come off methotrexate immediately as my liver enzymes are raised, so now I have to go back in two weeks to see how my liver is again and when it goes back to normal they put you back on it to try again, to double make sure your body does not tolerate it, god what a performance at least I feel that they are really looking after me I go to the freemans hospital in northern England, fantastic hospital I must say

    • sherry29159
      sherry29159 shirlee86000

      Posted

      Oh that's a bummer! I have been on it over 3 years now and never a problem. Saying that I am on maximum dose now and its not working anymore for my pain. I think I am immune to it. I have to continue tho in conjunction with bio drug so I doubt I will ever be drug free in this life again. Depressing thought. Good luck and yes its good to feel you are in good hands. I am in London under royal free hospital and they have not been great and getting worse. Never see same doctor. I am constantly having to moan at them for some problem.

  • sukes
    sukes sue20289

    Posted

    Hi Sue,

    In my opinion, I think you should tell your Rheumy nurse exactly how you feel, it's really important that they record what's going on. 

  • nathalie.b
    nathalie.b sue20289

    Posted

    I use to have sore throat and headaches as you describe, only in the evening, while on MTX 20mg inj + 5mg prednisolone.
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