Can I take antibiotics?

[Fantasy3]

Hi all.

I was diagnosed with ra in June this year.

I was put on plaquenil,but it did not agree with me.

So was put onto salazopyrin 500 mg.which apart from constant headaches and nausea in the first few days,has now worn off.

My question is,I also have copd,and have regular chest infections.is it ok to take antibiotics with these meds,does anybody know?

Many thanks.

Xx

[helixhelix]

You'll need to check with your pharmacy or doctor as there are such a huge range of antibiotics and drug interactions can be quite specific. I think there is one for urinary infections that you mustn't take, and perhaps other Sulpha based antibiotics that are similar to salazoprin (which is based as on them). But in general there's not a problem.

[wishbone]

Seeing as you get regular chest infections then it might be a good idea to have a chat with rheumy to find out if you need to stop taking salazopryn should you get an infection. I'm not familiar with salazopryn, but many RA meds lower the immune system to a greater or lesser degree so can allow an infection to become more serious, which is something I found out to my own cost. Not all rheumatologists think this is necessary, but as mentioned, you need to check with yours. Another thing is that if someone with RA has other chronic health conditions then they need to be careful as to what type of meds they can take. For instance, I was recently diagnosed with RA related lung disease and was advised by my chest consultant to stop taking methotrexate as it can also affect the lungs.

[Hidden]

Please ask your doctor about antibiotics & your RA meds. I have been informed by 3 rheumies that aslong as my antibiotics aren't sulfer based, then antibiotics are OK to take with RA drugs.

[Mandy8175]

I am currently on sulfasalazine and methotrexate with copd. I am congested and was prescribed antibiotics today. Hope this helps!

[Mandy8175 in reply to Mandy8175]

Above all ask the doctor first!

[Fantasy3 in reply to Mandy8175]

Thank you.

Oh I shall def ask doc first.x

[Lyneal]

I always check with Rheumatology dept about taking antibiotics as there are some we mustn't take. So do check first. Hope you feel better.