Common IBS/IBD treatment blunts COVID-19 vaccine response.

[2greys]

People who take a commonly-prescribed drug for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) should not assume they are protected after a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, after a large-scale study found many had poor antibody responses.

The research measured antibody responses after vaccination with the Pfizer/BioNTech or the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in 865 people treated with infliximab, an anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) biologic drug, prescribed to around two million people worldwide. Anti-TNF drugs are effective treatments for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, but by suppressing the immune system, they can reduce vaccine effectiveness and increase risk of serious infection.

Led by the University of Exeter and the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, and published in GUT, the paper is an output from the CLARITY Study is funded by the NIHR and Crohn’s and Colitis UK. The research found that people treated with infliximab had significantly lower concentrations of antibodies, when compared to 428 people on an alternative treatment, vedolizumab.

exeter.ac.uk/news/research/...

BMJ Journals, Gut. Study Paper (a paywall site but a summary of the study is here)

gut.bmj.com/content/early/2...

[CDPO16]

So interesting to see what is being monitored. I hope that anyone this applies to is made aware.

[2greys in reply to CDPO16]

The very reason I posted it, not great news, but better those affected are, at least, aware.

[CDPO16 in reply to 2greys]

Yes, 2greys. I had in mind those who aren't members here. Hopefully their doctors will be aware of this and advise them.

[2greys in reply to CDPO16]

I believe we have a few members here who also suffer that condition.

[Oshgosh]

The amount of research being conducted is impressive.hopefully this will help in the battle against Covid.

[peege]

Interesting, quite a few here with IBS plus my sister so ill pass on the link to her. Thanks 2greys. P

[SORRELHIPPO]

Thanks so much, I am on Azathioprine, which I do not think is the same family, I hope they are looking at all these types of meds.

[Biofreak]

This being the case 2greys, many sufferers with Rheumatoid Arthritis and similar inflammatory conditions will be affected by this because of the anti tnf and other biological treatments they need to take. They are all immunosuppressants. There has been quite a lot of discussion about stopping these treatments during the vaccination process to allow the vaccine to be more effective. Unfortunately there seems to be differing opinions depending on which doctors you ask the question.

[Kelly100]

Thank you for this. I’ve suspected this for a long time. My son has been on both these biologics in the past. Fortunately he’s not on them at the moment and has had both his vaccines now but who knows if he will need them in the future. Hope they find a solution.

[Kismet23]

Morning good people....I have been suffering from what I believe to be a tree pollen allergy, which has caused me a nasty COPD exacerbation. I was put onto steroids and on advice from resp. nurse am also taking anti-histamins. When getting my 2nd vac at the weekend was told that it is likely the antihistamins would render the vaccine less effective. Would welcome any advice re people's experience with COPD and tree pollen allergies.

[watergazer]

Gosh thanks. I’m on messalinefor ulcerative colitis so I hope I’m ok but should be as it doesn’t suppress the immune system 🤞