Polymyositis & Dermatomyositis Support Group

Polymyositis (PM) is a type of chronic inflammation of the muscles (inflammatory myopathy) related to dermatomyositis and inclusion body myositis. The inflammation is predominantly of the endomysium in polymyositis, whereas dermatomyositis is characterized by primarily perimysial inflammation.

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Methotrexate allergic reaction

rave713
rave713
It has been many months ago but while on methotrexate. I began to get big giant red painful welps up and down my legs. I didn't know the cause and noone would give me an answer. Until today at my infusion, another woman was talking about having the same thing happen. They told her it was from the methotrexate. I just wanted to warn people about the possibility and out of curosity ask if anyone else experienced this?
trpt1
trpt1
Rave713, I have not had any bad reactions from MTX. Here are some things that you might consider as the cause: 1 The welps may be an interaction with another medication. If you are taking something in addition to prednisone then that could be the problem. 2. You may have caught something from other people since our immune systems are lowered due to the medication. 3.The welps sound like an allergic reaction and that is not a typical side effect of MTX. Running into poison oak outside could be the problem. The bottom line is talk to your doctor and s/he will let you know what caused the problem. I hope you find relief and an answer soon. Let us know! Good luck
rave713
rave713
It might not be, the person I was speaking with had RA. I just found it odd that someone would have the exact same problem while being on it. I'm not concerned now because I know I will not have to take methotrexate again. I could be wrong just sounded like a very odd coincidence.
trpt1
trpt1
Rave713, Do you have allergies? I am thinking that something airborne could trigger the welps too. You are so lucky to not have to be on MTX. I have also heard that some people have an outbreak of shingles but I can not remember if that is from prednisone or MTX.
luckybee
luckybee
trpt1,
Shingles can result from any of the immunosuppressant meds we take. The herpes virus is latent in almost everyone and it becomes active again when you're immune system is suppressed. I think it's the same virus that causes chicken pox, so if you've ever had chicken pox, you're susceptible to getting shingles while on DM meds.
~Lucky