Immunosepresent and when call doctor

[Sammyb246]

I guysThoughs on immunosepresents Inc biologicals when do you call doctors about stopping if you ill at any sign or when your start to struggle?

Think I'm coming down with a cold

Thanks

[Spanielmadlady]

Hi.im on the immunosuppressant mmf and I take Prednisolone .the only time i have stopped it is for antibiotics for a uti and a graze which ulcerated.ive only had a couple of colds and managed to ride them out .have you tested for covid ?. Thats usually the first thing they ask me.I can generally judge when I need to ring my gp but if it doubt please do so . Hope you feel better soon xx

[LuluM25]

Hi Sammy, The only time I’ve come off any tablets including immuno suppressants was when I had AKI and kidney function dipped very low. My rheumatologist didn’t know what was going on but stopped it as a precaution. Otherwise, whatever illness I get I just keep taking the same tablets every day. Like Spanielmadlady I know when something is feeling different and I see my GP and generally tell them what’s going wrong. Trust your intuition and instinct and if there’s a problem don’t leave it, see a medic asap. xx

[Mctd]

Hi Sammy, I'm new to all this and didn't know you might have to stop them if you are coming down with a virus or cold etc... since being diagnosed a year ago, I've had terrible issues with my nose and sinuses, on three occasions been given antibiotics. Not one doctor has even discussed my diagnosis and I've merrily been popping antibiotics. Bit disillusioned with my doctors attitude to the whole thing, had to go private to get anyone to listen to me about my symptoms. So should I be surprised... I'm really interested in what people have to say in answer to your question.

[Spanielmadlady in reply to Mctd]

Hi.you generally don't need to stop your immunosuppressant meds for colds etc unless antibiotics are required. In 4 years I've stopped them twice for 1 week in order to take strong antibiotics ( I take a prophylactic antibiotics 3 x a week) . Its always worth reminding or asking the prescribing Dr if you need to stop your immunosuppressants x

[Hamptons]

antibiotics can limit your immunosuppressants. When I have taken antibiotics they are gp prescribed so they are aware. I have never called for colds, sinus infections etc. I think you know when it is more than you can manage.

It’s hard enough getting hold of doctors when things are rough.

[Sara_A]

Only really if u have a fever or need antibiotics not necessary just for a cold or a minor virus. I still took my methotrexate when I was coming to the end of my covid and my partner is a pharmacist, I want particularly unwell with the covid so we decided that it would be more detrimental to me to miss my methotrexate injection.

[OldTed60]

Hi. Due to over 3 years maximum immunesupressed and being paranoid, I've been lucky to only get one cold this winter- but it was really bad. I couldn't see as my eyelids swelled and gushed so badly and whole face swelled up - awful throat and cough, headache. For first time I called rheumatology helpline left a phone message and a nice specialist nurse phoned me 2 days later, by which time I was in bed feeling and sounding terrible. She told me to stop my mycophenolate for a week to give my immune system a chance. For my eyes I phoned and got an appointment same day with practice nurse. She saw little red petechaie spots above my eye and called GP through who examined in my eyes and made me look this way and that and said not bacterial meningitis?! But he said cellulitis in both eyes so I got antibiotic eyedrops - worked fine although boy the catarrh and cough lingered on for a few months! If you have worries then call GP or rheumatology or both to ask as being immunesuppressed makes you priority patient.