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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Taking Methotrexate For Rheumatoid Arthritis. Got Ulcers, Infections. Substitute?

hi there having been diagnosed 5 yrs ago with rhuematoid arthritis ..i find most medications prescribed have a negative impact on my health...the latest drug being methotrexate brings up complications the last being tb for which i was prescribed 9 month course of antibiotics which initially helped...each time i go on methotrexate i end up with ulcers and infections...is there any substitute for this ...i am just still managing to work part time..and am a young 50 yr old female...i would appreciate your feedback...
Thu, 3 Jan 2013
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The methotrexate and related drugs are immunosuppressants and may give opportunistic infections a chance to cause problems. mouth and gut ulcers also a frequent problem. Anemia is also found commonly.
The side effects can be controlled to large extent if you take folinic acid tablets if you are not taking one.
There are other drugs which may be tolerated by you eg.- Leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine.
You can switch to them in consult with your local clinician.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have any follow up queries or doubts, you can forward them for me, and I shall be glad to help you.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
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Taking Methotrexate For Rheumatoid Arthritis. Got Ulcers, Infections. Substitute?

Hello, Thanks for posting your query. The methotrexate and related drugs are immunosuppressants and may give opportunistic infections a chance to cause problems. mouth and gut ulcers also a frequent problem. Anemia is also found commonly. The side effects can be controlled to large extent if you take folinic acid tablets if you are not taking one. There are other drugs which may be tolerated by you eg.- Leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine. You can switch to them in consult with your local clinician. I hope this answers your query. In case you have any follow up queries or doubts, you can forward them for me, and I shall be glad to help you. Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries. Wishing you good health.