When I started methotrexate in late 2010, it was rough. I started on the pills and then discontinued them, moving on to biologics. After switching to a new rheumatologist a year later, I tried it again – this time as an injection in conjunction with Enbrel.
About this time is when I noticed that anything containing gluten made me incredibly sick. We ran a Celiac blood test but, as I wasn’t eating gluten, it came back inconclusive.
Since the only treatment for Celiac disease is to maintain a gluten-free diet, I’ve maintained that since late 2012. It’s not always been easy. The advancements in gluten-free products have made it easier. I’ve learned a lot of cool cooking and baking tricks along the way. I have to work more for my food, and that’s a good thing.
Throughout the years, I’ve wondered many things about my inability to eat gluten. Why did it come on so suddenly? Is there a reason it continues to last? Why did it come on when it did?
I recently came across a few journal articles that might shed light on that.
Apparently, there have been cases where gluten intolerance-like behavior has come on as a result of methotrexate. For most patients, this has calmed down after following a gluten-free diet and discontinuing the medication. These patients were then able to restart consuming gluten.
But I wonder – what is it that these patients have received as far as care that has led to this recovery? Are there patients for whom this never cleared up?
I survived on bread for the longest time. My go-to foods were sandwiches, bagels, and garlic bread. From 2010-2012, I practically lived on pop-tarts and on-the-go pastries or protein bars. What else could have changed during that time period to trigger a gluten issue?
I just don’t know.
If you’ve dealt with gluten intolerance after being on methotrexate, has it cleared up? Is it situational or stress-related? I’ love to hear from you.
Hi, I believe methotrexate made me intolerant to gluten. I didn’t realise it was that until I stopped taking it and can now tolerate gluten again. I was on 15mg weekly along with fortnightly Humira injections for Crohn’s. I stopped taking it against my specialists wishes as it was causing me eye issues that were effecting my self confidence and ability to read and impacting my work. I’ve never been much good at sticking to diets and I was hopeless at getting off wheat entirely. I had regretfully given up pizza, pies, cakes, spaghetti and bread due to the discomfort, bloatedness, wind block and constipation it was causing. I would have sooner given up the methotrexate if I had known it could cause that. I did tell my specialist about my digestive issues with gluten products and he was mostly dismissive, he did not inform me that it was a possible side effect of medication. I just assumed it was my body (Crohn’s) going to rank and ruin naturally, lol. My doctor will be getting an earful when I see him in October, I may need a new specialist. One who will actually look after me. My Crohn’s isn’t even that bad. I’ve had it for 20 years and only had a few flare ups and a couple cases of blocked bowel, which could be because of the narrowing at the resection, not actual Crohn’s.
I hope this help with your query, you certainly helped me with mine.
Cheers,
Adam
Yes, Methotrexate definitely turned me gluten intolerant and possibly for the better. I will never eat gluten again regardless of whether I continue talking methotrexate or not! I went through hell to find out what it was but I’m glad I know I’m not the only one who has figured this out. The major issues is why isn’t this declared as a possible side effect from the medication, 20mg is definitely a no no for gluten intake so it should be a warning.