Answer Summary

Members shared their experiences with mouth and gum sores while taking prednisone and other RA medications, with many identifying methotrexate... Read more

Members shared their experiences with mouth and gum sores while taking prednisone and other RA medications, with many identifying methotrexate as a primary culprit rather than prednisone alone, and some noting symptoms improved after switching from tablets to injections or stopping methotrexate entirely. Several members recommended practical remedies including Magic Mouthwash (available by prescription or as a homemade mix of Benadryl, Maalox, and Anbesol), folic acid supplementation to counter depletion from RA medications, Biotene products for dry mouth, and eating potassium-rich foods like bananas since prednisone depletes potassium. A recurring theme was the exhausting trade-off of managing debilitating side effects like painful mouth sores in order to control disease activity, with members offering solidarity to those navigating high-dose prednisone and the difficult balance between preventing blindness or severe inflammation and enduring medication side effects.