Frequent cold sores
Don't know if it's just me but since I was diagnosed with RA almost 3 years ago and started on the DMARDs then biologic, seems like every two months, I get a cold sore in my nose. I have a prescription for Valocyclovir to knock it back but it's supposed to be contraindicated with me being on the immunosuppressives. Anyone else have this issue?
Cold sores are very common with some medications. I use Methotrexate and my mouth has sores on sores. I know how awful these are. However I have not had them in my nose.
There are several things you can do. First, take Folic acid. This over the counter vitamin can be effective to prevent cold sores. For treatment of mouth sores, I use a compounded mouth wash called Mary's Magic Mouthwash. Your dentist can prescribe it or so can your rheumatologist.
If you are interested in talking to your rheumatologist about a prescription medication to suppress cold sores you might ask about leucovorin. It is a high potency folic acid often used in cancer treatment. Since I started using leucovorin I have not had a cold sore. That is over 10 years now.I get the sides in my nose, I use saline nose spray and then apply a very thin light layer of Vaseline with a qtip. Every day for like 3 days and then every other day. And done pick it makes it worse. The.methotrexate upset my stomach and have me.constant indigestion then The mouth sores, so I would suck on an antacid tablet, that sothes it and helps with the stomach acids that burns it more.
