MTX Problems

Hi. I’m from NYC and new to Creaky Joints. What a great website! I learned about it at a RISE seminar sponsored by the makers of Retuxin. 

I’ve had RA for four years and I’ve been on Enbrel and MTX.  Last November I developed a severe cough and in ruling things out, it’s thought that MTX is the culprit. I’ve been off MTX for a couple of months and my cough is better.  I’m now back on Enbrel after a severe flare up.  Has anyone heard of problems with MTX like I’ve experienced? By the way, just being on Enbrel  doesn’t seem to be “enough”.  I’m rather achy. It’s only been three weeks though, so I’m hopeful for better results.

I wish all of my fellow RA sufferers a peaceful and painfree weekend.

Hi Jean!

I for one have not experienced a cough on mtx, but everyone is different in how they react to it! The kinds of symptoms that rise when the immune system is suppressed is as individual as the person. It might have triggered a low grade, chronic bronchitis.

I'm wondering if you were allergic to something in the pills...have you tried injectible mtx?

Jean, I have come across the term 'MTX lung' a few times, but have never really researched it. I just did a google search on that term and came across another board very similar to Creaky, called Daily Strength, and they were having that conversation.  Can't hurt checking it out.

Hi Jean-

I had a cough for a while, actually, and became convinced I had mtx lung (because thats what I do... I look things up on the internet and show up at the doctors convinced I have some really obscure side effect. luckily, he is very patient . He actually had me go to a pulmonologist to make sure my lung function was good (because in addition to being kind and patient, he is also very careful!), and it was. I had a persistant dry cough. But, then he put me on prilosec, and the coughing pretty much stopped, which means it was due to acid reflux irritating my throat. I would ask your doc about it- you can never be too careful!

Thank you Carolan, VickiSue and Kate. It's comforting to meet others who know exactly how you feel living with this disease. I'll research your suggestions and ask my doc.

Jean,

Welcome to Creaky.  I haven't had this side effect though it does sound different and trust me I am sure if there is a side effect there is one of us here that has had it or knows about it.  We do a lot of research and will help anyone that needs it, asks for it or just doesn't want it we will help anyway.

Glad to have you on the board.

Tess