Stopping methotrexate

[SheldonSaysSo1]

I've recently come off of my methotrexate as I'm concerned about the risk it brings for corona virus combined with my other conditions. I'm now really struggling with joint pain and stiffness, so wondering if I've been overcautious and don't need to stop it. Is anyone else in a similar position?

Please speak to your rheumatology nurse/department or your GP -who are open and will be doing telephone consultations.

I’ve heard of so many patients stopping their meds when the advice is to continue unless they receive instructions to stop. Now that you have stopped you may need to have your blood test 2 weeks after re starting. We have been doing blood tests 3 monthly on people who are stable rather than monthly.

www.rheumatology.org.uk/news-policy/details/covid19-coronavirus-update-members

Thank you for your advice, it hasn't been made very clear to us what we should do. I saw it as I'd rather suffer bad joints for a few month than cause higher risk for corona virus. I had to stop anyway as I had a cough and temperature so just haven't restarted them since.

I take methotrexate injection. When I first thought I'd be going into school every day still I did consider stopping taking it. Infact I did miss one week's injection.

But let the following week i was in isolation as dd had a new cough. And I haven't been back since as school told all at risk teaching staff to stay home and wfh for the duration, even if not getting the most vulnerable letter.

All the arthritis websites say not to do so, and the letter I got this week from rheumatology says not to stop too. Not taking it will mean you get the pain and stiffness, and may well leave you in less good position to fight CV if you need to.

Even if you have symptoms you should call your rheumatology doctor about stopping methotrexate as they don't recommend stopping it for all patients.

I'm using the injections too. I had to stop with symptoms as I had antibiotics and low platelets. I'll contact them tomorrow.