Biologics, methotrexate and frequency of infections. - NRAS

NRAS

37,219 members46,055 posts

Biologics, methotrexate and frequency of infections.

HevJ profile image
HevJ
22 Replies

How often do folks on this combo go down with infection? Over last year I have had about 6 lots of antibiotics for different things.

Written by
HevJ profile image
HevJ
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
22 Replies
helixhelix profile image
helixhelix

I’ve been on a biologic & MTX for nearly 18 months, and the only infection has been a bit of athlete’s foot after spending 3 weeks in a swimming pool.

HevJ profile image
HevJ in reply tohelixhelix

Luckily I have my yearly review so will ask my consultant what he thinks!

helixhelix profile image
helixhelix in reply toHevJ

Were you prone to infections before you started on biologics? Since I cleaned up my lifestyle I haven’t been sick at all so nothing much has changed 🤞🏼🤞🏼.

HevJ profile image
HevJ in reply tohelixhelix

No never. Today I discovered my immune system is really compromised. I am only on 7.5mg of MTX so quite low but each time I go back on it my bloods spike. Been advised to stay off while they have a think what to do. Currently Benepali is working but the MTX is to boost the immunity... watch this space

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply toHevJ

I was on Mtx for a long time & never needed anti biotics....6 courses in one year must be very unusual.Did your rheumatologist prescribe them or your GP?

Next time you see him/her have a word with your Rheumatologist about Mtx...it is in fact an immunosuppressant....the last thing we all need is our immune system to be boosted. RA is caused by our immune system wrongly overreacting ....we need it calming down,not boosting.

Hope you get some suitable meds very soon.

rab1874 profile image
rab1874

I’ve been on biological drugs 2 years and methotrexate 3 and usually pick up a few chest infections a year which usually takes 2 rounds off antibiotics to clear

HevJ profile image
HevJ in reply torab1874

Yes with a dental infection after an implant I needed two lots of antibiotics. Any illness takes much longer to recover from too.

KittyJ profile image
KittyJ

Only one lot of antibiotics for a chest infection over the past year since adding a biologic. I have got my annual cold at the moment but it looks like that's up clearing ok 😊

HevJ profile image
HevJ in reply toKittyJ

Hope it’s clears soon

KittyJ profile image
KittyJ in reply toHevJ

Thank you 😊

I get chest infections - I have had antibiotics twice but now I am constantly steaming with olbas oil, watching lifestyle, food, sleep etc and seem to be controlling it.

Barrister profile image
Barrister

I’ve had one dental infection in the last 18 months.

Clemmie

achyknitter profile image
achyknitter

I have been on MTX for four years and find that any colds, coughs or general winter ailments do last. They are no worse than anyone else's and begin to clear up as they should but come back every time I take MTX, weaker each time but it can take several months to feel well again. To date nothing has been bad enough to need antibiotics but, I feel, that it is only time before that happens.

Mmrr profile image
Mmrr

I've had a resurgence of herpes simplex, persistent fungal infection of my toes and hand foot and mouth disease in the few months I've been on baricitinib. Nothing too serious, but enough to stop me taking it for a week or two each time.

TheBoys profile image
TheBoys

Crikey.

.i ve been in one long purgatory of infection. I m bringing up at my review in December .

Jackadoodle profile image
Jackadoodle

Hi, yes infections vary, I have been in hospital twice this year with water infections including a chest infection. temperatures of 39.8C and 39.6C was given antibiotics in hospital for 8 days, consultant said I was close to sepsis so get checked early don’t leave it until too late.

stbernhard profile image
stbernhard

Hi HevJ, I am on MTX sine 2010 and a biologic since 2012 and never had an increased occurrence of infections, thankfully. I hope your bug defence system will sort itself out soon. All the best.

CagneysMum profile image
CagneysMum

I’m on methotrexate and hydroxychloroquin and not had any infections in 18 months.

Ninaseven profile image
Ninaseven

When I was on methotrexate I had several chest infections. It got to point everytime I got a cold I would go to GP to get antibiotics. I also suffered from throat infections from the sores I would get in my mouth. Since I started on Humira I have been lucky and have not had to have antibiotics. Good luck. Everyone reacts so differently to these drugs.

wishbone profile image
wishbone

I've had problems with infections over the last few years and stop my meds at the first signs of one. As has been said, we need methotrexate and other RA meds to suppress our overactive immune systems but that's the last thing we want if we have an infection, which can become serious as happened with Jackadoodle above. You really need to have a chat with your rheumatologist.

RA2002 profile image
RA2002

I’ve been on a combination of these for quite some time but in the last 12 months. I’ve had two serious toe infections which required antibiotics - I wondered if the change to bio similar Benepali is connected?

Lyneal profile image
Lyneal

Hi, I too have had many infection, had to come off MTX injections because of repeated infections. Been off all drugs for six months now, but feel I will have to soon go back on it and I am dreading it, the difference I feel without MTX is amazing.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Biologics and infections

Hello all. Today was my first Abatacept injection. All ok so far and I’m trying not to read too...
Sidera profile image

Biologics and methotrexate

My rhumy doctor would like to get approval for me to have rituximab after Humaira stopped working,...
Ozzy profile image

Methotrexate v Biologics

I I am now taking on 20mg of methotrexate which has increased over time . I have been taking for...
JulesCurrie profile image

Methotrexate and constant infections

Does anyone suffer with the same problem . Since I have been taking mtx I seem to pick up any...
Nanabrodie profile image

Methotrexate and getting regular infections

Hi everyone, just wanting to see if anyone has had a similar experience on MTX to me. For context,...
JoWa profile image

Moderation team

See all
Nicola-NRAS profile image
Nicola-NRASAdministrator
KateL-NRAS profile image
KateL-NRASAdministrator
Plankten profile image
PlanktenAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.