Methotrexate side effect

[cam129]

Hey

I have had a on and off persistent rash for quite some time now. I have tried changing soaps, I've tried soap less cleansers, antihistamines and hydrocortisone 1%cream but nothing has really worked.

The rash is on my face (cheeks) and neck. I have started to suspect it may be due to either Methotrexate or Humira, has anyone else experienced a rash with either of these medications? Or can anyone shed any light on what it could be please

Thank you

Cameron

 

[cam129]

Please can anyone give me any insight or advice.

I have spoken with my IBD nurse and she just said "I don't think it would be the Methotrexate" I just feel like she brushed me off.

some of the warning on the Methotrexate leaflet include skin issues/ rashes, it also states "If you develop any kind of Blistering, peeling skin or rash. Contact your doctor immediately as methotrexate can cause a life-threatening rash".

I don't know if she brushed me off due to the fact that I have been taking Methotrexate for over a year, but I have have had this rash on and off for quite some time now as well.

Thanks

Cam

 

[cam129]

When taking Methotrexate has anyone also experienced a kind of slight pain when breathing?

It is when I take a deep breath, it feels like I have a smaller lung capacity or something. It happens the day after having the injection, mainly the morning after.

It is not a bad pain it's more of a discomfort.

Has anyone experienced this?

Thank you

Cameron

 

[Clash]

My son has been on methotrexate for over a year, he has had no rash but people react differently.

Since it is something that is concerning to you then I wouldn't stop with the IBD nurse. I would make an appt with your GI and possibly a derm.

Rashes can occur with either Humira or methotrexate and should be investigated.

Good luck, hope you find some answers!

 

[cam129]

Had he experienced any issues with breathing as I stated above?

Thank you for replying

 

[Clash]

Nope not with methotrexate. He did experience tightness in chest and trouble breathing with remicade infusions but that was due to a reaction caused by antibodies that had built up to remicade.

 

[cam129]

Ok. Thanks again I really do appreciate your reply.

Hopefully someone who has experienced any lung issues I have mentioned, or knows what's going on will come along soon. fingers crossed.

 

[Clash]

I'm going to tag jmrogers4 her son had lung trouble with methotrexate though I think it involved a cough. There is a side effect for the lungs and it is why her son had to stop taking mtx. Maybe she'll be along shortly.

 

[lenny]

My son was on MTX for about 4 months and he said he thought it made him feel a bit worse overall, but nothing specific.

 

[cam129]

Well after the injection, which I take on Friday, for the next few days I feel quite nauseous, lethargic and fatigued.

I just haven't heard or read much mentioned about any lung issues.

Thanks

 

[lenny]

I'm sure you are taking your folic acid..they told us my son would not feel nauseated from it if he took his, but I can't be sure because he gets nauseated just from Crohn's occasionally.

 

[cam129]

Yes I too have nausea from the Crohn's. I do take Folic acid but I still feel nauseas and fatigued.

I suppose it isn't too bad, I can live with the nausea and fatigue, its not great but its worse on Saturday (the day after taking it) then gradually gets better.

Since I have not heard much of lung issues I wondered if someone here has experienced the same, if it is normal or if it is something I should be concerned about.

Thanks for replying Lenny

 

[Layla]

I feel like my lungs have less capacity than they did before. There is no pain involved but it hinders what little exercise I do. I've had x-rays but they were all clear.
With a bit of luck I can stop the mtx in about 3 weeks when hopefully the Humira will have kicked in.
I too have the nausea and fatigue and will be glad to see the back of mtx! No rashes though.
My GP ordered the x-ray as she said there are potential lung issues with mtx (fibrosis?) so you might want to have it checked out.

 

[Jmrogers4]

Sorry I've been out most of the day, just saw the tag. Yes my son had issues with Mtx. He developed an constant asthmatic cough, wheezing. Could not get enough air into his lungs. One of the very rare side effects of Methotrexate is methotrexate pneumonitis.

From http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682019.html

Methotrexate may cause lung damage. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had lung disease. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: dry cough, fever, or shortness of breath.

Another from http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/...ssible-side-effects.aspx#sthash.GsUYIoXz.dpuf

You should stop methotrexate and see your doctor immediately if:
any of the symptoms listed above are severe
you become breathless or develop a dry cough lasting more than a month – in rare cases, methotrexate causes inflammation of the lung with breathlessness

My son saw his GP who thought he might have bronchitis and prescribed an inhaler. We had a check up with GI the following day who after hearing the cough and listening to his lungs immediately pulled him off Mtx. The cough went away for the most part, it was not a constant everyday thing. He still has to use an inhaler now after exercise.

So even though it is rare and not a typical side effect I would definitely put in a call to GI since you are having shortness of breath.