Tocizumab

[Angels-delight]

Is it okay to have weekly injections when you have a cold that has got onto your chest. I haven'the seen the doctor as I want to wait and see how I feel next week. I really don't want to take antibiotics as I know that I won't be able to have my injections then.

[KayEP]

If your are on a Biologic and have a chest infection I would say no because it will make it worse. Get in touch with your rhumatologist.

[ruth_p]

If it's still just a chesty cold then you should be fine to have it, but if you have a chest infection then no. Not having one toc injection shouldn't make a big difference if you've been on it a while. 😊

[allanah]

I would definitely get your chest checked. You can get very I'll taking biologics with infections. So missing the Tcz and needing antibioticd is better than ending up in hospital. !

Best check it's not an infection first. Hope you feel better soon.

Ps if I have Anti biotics I can't have my Tcz for at least two weeks after the infection has cleared.

[allanah]

How are you now xx

[Angels-delight in reply to allanah]

Getting better just finished the antibiotics. What made it worse was that I have 2 compression fractures in my back the constant coughing was very painful. I am over the worst of it. I hope to start back on my injections next week. Thanks Sue

[dwsurquhart]

It is OK to keep taking your tocilizumab. Actemra or tocilizumab is an IL6 biologic, which works on interleukin 6 cytokine in the body. If you have a cold or mild flu it is OK, if you have a bacterial infection then probably not. I have been on this since early december and get the monthly infusion. I have a son in elementary school and a wife who teachers highschool, so I get all the nasty little flues coming home and have not had any issues.

Also, if you have a cold, stay away from antibiotics. Just keep your fluid intake up. If you start to feel really crappy, then call your doctor, that is what they are there for.

[Angels-delight in reply to dwsurquhart]

Thanks, I tried to stay away from antibiotics but I got so bad with the pain in my back. My rhumey put me on morphine based medication. Then my GP put me on antibiotics and 2 puffers one was a steroid type. I hope to have my injections again next week. Tks Susan

[Angels-delight]

Thank you everyone for your kind responses. I am feeling much better today and hope to be able to have my injections next week. Hope everyone is feeling better and have a lovely Easter.

Susan

[dwsurquhart in reply to Angels-delight]

I hope you had a happy easter as well. Glad to hear you are feeling better. I know it is tough when you are on these meds. I am currently on Lasix for water retention due to the Tocilizumab and Percocet for pain. Neither seem to have contraindications to the Tocilizumab. The way I look at it, when in doubt call your rheumatologist. Also make sure you read the leaflet that comes with the medication, it actually gives you a lot of information, including a number you can call with questions regarding what you can and cannot take while on it.

Good luck to you

Scott

[Angels-delight]

I have just got over the chest infection and ready to go outdoors now I have a nasty gash on my left leg (shin) and had to have a ambulance to take me to hospital as I am on blood thinner medication and the wound was so bad I was unable to stop the bleeding. The doctor had to close the wound with white tape as stitches would tear my skin. I just seem to have one thing after an other. I had to call my son at 11pm on Friday night and arrived back home at 3am. My son was brilliant cleaning up the blood off the kitchen floor whilst I was on my way to hospital. I am upset that I had to cancel the Aqua fit program which starts today. I was told not to get the wound wet.

Hope everyone is doing well and having better luck than me right now.

Take care everyone