Methotrexate is a toxic drug to the lungs, but this condition is not common. All patients prescribed MTX should be advised for lung toxicity and to report the development of respiratory symptoms to their physician.
What is methotrexate pneumonia?
Methotrexate (MTX) pneumonia is an unpredictable and sometimes life-threatening adverse effect occurring in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
What are the symptoms of methotrexate pneumonitis?
The typical clinical symptoms include progressive shortness of breath and cough, often associated with fever. Hypoxaemia and tachypnoea are always present and crackles are frequently audible.
How is methotrexate pneumonitis treated?
In suspected M-pneu MTX should be discontinued immediately. Often, treatment with steroids is required (8). Other immunosuppressive drugs, such as cyclophosphamide (CYC), have also been administered successfully (48).
Does methotrexate cause lung problems Related Questions
What is methotrexate lung condition?
Methotrexate lung disease is the specific etiological type of drug-induced lung disease. It can occur due to the administration of methotrexate which is an antimetabolite, which is given for various reasons but commonly to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
What is the most common complication of methotrexate?
GI problems such as nausea and vomiting are the most common side effects associated with methotrexate, affecting between 20% and 65% of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who take the drug. Up to one-third develop mouth ulcers or sores. Many also complain of headaches, fatigue and an overall “blah” feeling.
How common is methotrexate pneumonitis?
The current literature states the prevalence of methotrexate pneumonitis (MTX-P) to be 3.5-7.6%. This is based on retrospective data. Consequently, clinicians remain cautious in using methotrexate especially in patients with pre-existing lung disease.
Should you stop methotrexate if you have chest infection?
Ordinarily you would not need to stop your disease-modifying treatment whilst taking antibiotics. If you are taking Methotrexate however, we advise you to omit this if you develop an infection, since its immunosuppressive effects may hinder your recovery.
Is methotrexate pneumonitis reversible?
Methotrexate characteristically induces an acute reversible cellular interstitial pneumonitis. It may induce lung disease irrespective of the indication for which it is prescribed. The associated immunosuppression also increases the risk of infections, which include conditions such as pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.
What are early signs of pneumonitis?
Symptoms may include shortness of breath, tiredness, coughing that lasts weeks or months and weight loss that gets progressively worse. Over time, some people with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis develop clubbing of fingers and toes and irreversible pulmonary fibrosis.
Can I get pneumonia vaccine while on methotrexate?
If you’re vaccinated against pneumococcus while on methotrexate, you might not respond as well to the vaccine as someone not on that medication. However, this doesn’t mean you should stop methotrexate because there will still be some level of protection from the vaccination.
Can methotrexate give you a cough?
Sustained cough is a frequent complaint in methotrexate (MTX) treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and can be a symptom of incipient MTX-induced pneumonitis.
Can you fully recover from pneumonitis?
With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can fully recover from acute and subacute cases of pneumonitis. You usually can’t make a full recovery from severe cases of pneumonitis. However, medication and therapy can help make your symptoms more manageable.
How long is recovery from pneumonitis?
Some people feel better in about six weeks, but it can take several months for others to feel better after severe pneumonia,” adds Dr. Lee. “Most importantly, be patient with your body.” If your recovery is prolonged, a specialized program focused on pulmonary rehabilitation may help get you back on track.
What is the cure for pneumonitis?
While pneumonitis cannot be cured, treatments can help relieve your symptoms. Treatments include: Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, can reduce your inflammation. Oxygen therapy – oxygen therapy can help you breathe easier.
Is methotrexate lung damage reversible?
Teng Moua, a pulmonologist specializing in ILD at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., says the risk of methotrexate-induced lung injury is less than 1 percent and is reversible once the drug is stopped.
What organ does methotrexate affect?
However, methotrexate can produce many unwanted side effects and can alter liver cells, leading to liver damage and cirrhosis.
Can methotrexate cause low oxygen levels?
Blood clot, possibly in the brain or lung, which may cause swelling, pain, shortness of breath. Low blood oxygen, which may cause shortness of breath, headache, confusion, or restlessness.
What is a toxic side effect of methotrexate?
MTX may be dangerous if administered improperly. The most serious possible adverse effect is severe myelosuppression, which causes the majority of the relatively infrequent fatalities caused by MTX [19]. Other side effects include bone marrow suppression, liver fibrosis, pneumonitis, homeopathy, and baldness [20,21].
When should I stop methotrexate infection?
We would suggest that you do not take your Methotrexate whilst you have an active infection that is sufficiently severe for you to need antibiotics – If you are worried, please speak to your own doctor.