October 28, 2024
HealthhodNo Comments
Introduction
Living with rheumatoid arthritis often involves a complex medication regimen, including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate. While these medications are crucial in managing the condition, they can sometimes lead to side effects. One such side effect, although rare, is tinnitus or ringing in the ears. A 36-year-old female patient, who has been taking methotrexate for about three years, recently shared her experience of ringing in her left ear with us. Seeking expert advice, Dr. Shama provided valuable insights.
Patient’s Concern
The patient reported experiencing ringing in her left ear 1-2 times a day, with each episode lasting between 3-8 seconds. She was understandably concerned about whether this symptom could be a contraindication of her rheumatoid arthritis medication, methotrexate.
Expert Advice from Dr. Shama,
Dr. Shama explained that while it is rare, drugs used for rheumatoid arthritis, such as methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine, can indeed cause tinnitus. However, it is crucial to determine the exact cause of the tinnitus. She advised the patient to consult an ENT surgeon for a thorough investigation. This step is essential to rule out other potential causes of tinnitus and to confirm whether methotrexate is indeed the culprit.
Next Steps
If the ENT surgeon concludes that methotrexate is causing the tinnitus, Dr. Shama recommended seeking a rheumatologist’s review. The rheumatologist can then consider adjusting the patient’s medication regimen to find a suitable alternative for managing her rheumatoid arthritis without the side effect of tinnitus.
Conclusion
Tinnitus can be a distressing side effect, but with proper medical guidance, it is manageable. If you or someone you know is experiencing similar symptoms while on methotrexate or other DMARDs, consult with healthcare professionals promptly. For more free medical advice from expert physicians, visit Healthhod.com, where our dedicated doctors are here to help you navigate your health concerns.
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