Anyone have any experience or knowledge about Methotrexate causing damage to tendons? Recently tore my Achilles tendon and the ortho doctor says Methotrexate can damage tendons. Rheum doctor said "no" but I'm wondering? I have not found it as a side effect when I google, but my computer died and I'm on very limited time at the library.
Any info gratefully appreciated!
I've been on MTX for years and that's the first I've heard about that. I will be keeping an eye on this thread though to see if anyone else has more info.
Hope your problems heal up quickly. Good Luck.
BTW: How long have you been on MTX that this could have been the cause. At what dosage?
I looked it up in my drug guide and one of the side effects is soft tissue necrosis (which includes tendons) however it is not listed as common effect
Thanks everyone. I've been on methotrexate since January 2007. Rheum just started Rituxan a few weeks ago (continued Methotrexate too). I'll try to get a more definitive answer when I see him again in a week. I wanted some "ammunition" about side effects - esp the tendon thing. The problem - stiff tendons in feet/ankles started less than a year ago, which also makes me suspect methotrexate involvement.
The most annoying part of all this is that the methotrexate has not helped me AT ALL, so accepting side effects is all the harder. I don't know yet if the Rituxan is going to help my RA.
Wow! I have nodules on two ankle tendons. Rheumy says they are no problem, hmmmm.That is a new one to me I would definately talk some about it with the rd sorry about your troubles that has got to hurt. memeHmm, the MTX actually cleared up my RA-related tendon problems. I had problems with my left knee that only disappeared when the MTX started to kick in (over 6 months from dx). Perhaps yours will too when the Rituxan starts working.