Stopping meds

[Jean11]

I've had a respiratory infection and cough for 2 weeks now and my doctor said to stop all my lupas meds so the infection can clear up but I'm scared I will have a bad flare up any suggestions ?

[Chris21]

I constantly get chest infections because of lupus and lung fibrosis and have a permanent cough probably because of sjogrens. When I get a chest

[Chris21 in reply to Chris21]

Infection the gp gives me antibiotics but instead of 7days I have them for 2 weeks. I still continue my regular medication. Your gp is possibly suggesting this because if your on an immusuppressent IT may not be helping recovery. Is he planning that you go back on your meds when the infections goes?

[Jean11 in reply to Chris21]

Yes the treatment is for 10 days after that she said start them back up thanks for the reply

[Corred]

I have been in hospital twice in the last month due to chest infection and pneumonia and they also told me to stop lupus medication so they can clear infection. So far so good.

[Jean11 in reply to Corred]

Thanks for the reply greatly appreciated

[tashi]

It might depend on what meds you take. I've had 2 separate infections both needed antibiotics &both 14day course. Rheumy told me to stop methotrexate injections when on antibiotics as he said the drug would still be in my system. No flare ups happened because of it. Stayed on all other drugs hydroxychloroquine etc. Hope you feel better soon x

[tired18 in reply to tashi]

Hi

I have to do exactly the same, methotrexate lowers your immune system, if you need to take antibiotics you have to stop the methotrexate to allow your body to use the antibiotics to work correctly

Hope you feel better soon

[Jean11 in reply to tired18]

Thanks that is the meds she wants me to stop I guess it's worth a shot to feel better

[Jean11 in reply to tashi]

Thank you so much those are the same exact meds I'm on feel so much better about stopping them

[Renu]

Hi, I stopped immune suppression for a month to aid recovery following surgery (2 weeks prior and two weeks after). I feel fine. Infact my Consultant allowed me to go back on the meds after a month on a lower dose, for another month. I go back to the higher dose at the end of the week. I am pleased I have been given the best chance to recover before going back on the meds. Meanwhile, my bloods are being monitored so I don't have to worry about them. Yours should be monitored also, so leave the worrying to the Dr's and focus on getting well soon and recovering!

Renu

[Jean11 in reply to Renu]

Thanks for the helpful information

[baba]

If you have been on steroids for a period it is DANGEROUS to stop suddenly.

[LadyKym in reply to baba]

Hi Baba I gradually started lowering my dosage and stop taking and then told my rhemy and didn't comment or say that I needed to start back taking them ,with that always check with ur Dr.,mom has been on steriods for yrs for a lung disease and I have seen the damage it has done to her body so I did not want all the side effect

[Fighting]

I wish you the best for an early recovery. The answers already given seem to cover the question quite well. I might ask the physician or nurse to note in the chart "the fear of a bad flare." The more items we have documented the better.

[kittykat68]

ahh thanks all you answered a question for me too ,i cant take antibiotics as they make me iller if that makes sence and im on methotrexate and plaquinil too youve answered my question too and now ill pass that on to my gp as she loves my info i give her from here as she says it makes her more aware ty allx