I take the Cerebrex for my arthritis and it is wonderful BUT in the three months I have taken it I have had two chest infections, lots of sore throats, and now have a stinking cold. It may well be coincidence, I know, but has anyone else found that this drug can affect the immune system?
Kathyx
I can't find a lot in the literature about this, but a couple of small studies have shown that Celebrex may reduce the body's response to some vaccines, including the 'flu vaccine. This does suggest that Celebrex does have an effect on the immune system and the body's response to infection.
Some centres recommend that patients stop taking Celebrex for a couple of weeks before having your 'flu jab, so that your body responds maximally to the vaccine, but you should take the advice of your GP.
Em H
Thanks Emily - what a wonderful source of information you medics are. I think I need to sit on the fence over the flu jab. I couldn't have it two weeks ago because of a bad chest and I'm due to have it later this week, but am full of cold. , if I were to stop the Celebrex, I don't think I could stand another bad flare with the arthritis. I have been taking it for 3 months and it has given me my life back. I also know the dangers of flu - my dad died in a flu epidemic as a 24 year old. Oh, um!
Kathyx
Hi Kathy, It does sound like a difficult choice - all of these medications can be a double edged sword, can't they? A lot of us seem to spend our lives juggling one side effect with another. I would discuss it with your GP - it is only a couple of small studies which show reduced response to the 'flu vaccine, and a reduced response is still better than no response at all, so it may be that if stopping the Celebrex is going to cause you a lot of misery, your GP will suggest carrying on with it. I don't know if a double dose of the 'flu vaccine four weeks apart would produce a better response - I know that this strategy is sometimes used in children and other folks who are likely to be poor responders - but we are getting into the realms of Immunology which is out of my depth I'm afraid! Your GP might be able to discuss the issue with a local Immunology consultant if you have one in your area. Em H
Hi Em
Once again, thanks for your words of wisdom.
Kathyx
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