Benepali, asthma& flu -gasp !!!!!!!!

[MAHGS]

So have been holding out posting as ever optimistic - hoping I will get better !

3rd shot of Benepali feeling great - back to normal life - fantastic 😀

21st Dec came down with flu ( should not have gone to that party - did not touch any of the food thinking that would give me the upper hand . Forgot bugs are air born 😁)

3 nights sitting upright on sofa trying to quell this dry insistent cough . EXHAUSTED! Middle of night ring NHS 111 & end up seeing out of hours doctor at hospital - after ruminating she prescribes antibiotics just in case . Next night ring NHS 111 as I have this flashing in my eye . Next day Xmas eve 4& 1/2 hours in eye hospital- suspected tear in retina & pvd exacerbated by all the coughing . Happy days! 🙈 after weekly calls to hospital stopped Benepali methotrexate for 2 weeks . BUT the coughing is still continuing . Saw Gp & she said no infection & prescribed steroid tablets for 3 days to calm this asthma cough . ( inhalers every 4 hours are not working )

Yesterday rang hospital to check if ok to restart Benepali which they gave the ok .

Today SO unwell - coughing like a trouper - pre steroid tablets & due to take methotrexate tomorrow. Will ring hospital again .

Due to go travelling next Wed yikes .

My question is : should I be taking Benepali if I have asthma ? ( Health Care at Home nurse did mention that she was surprised I was on it . ) I was so happy to be on a biologic as my RA has been so bad .

Any advice would be most appreciated- cough cough !!!!!!

[James53]

Can’t answer your Clinical question re Benepali and Asthma but going by what you have posted I would be seeking urgent medical attention. Flu, lowered immune system and Asthma is not a good mix.

Hope you get sorted

[MAHGS in reply to James53]

Me too - Just wondered if anyone has had any problems with asthma & Benepali .

😷

[dbestdeb]

Can’t help with the asthma question, but my dr told me to make sure I was completely well before restarting my biological. Do you think maybe you started it back a little too soon?

[MAHGS in reply to dbestdeb]

I know my thoughts exactly. I rang hospital & I was told to take it if I did not have infection. ( Had missed biologics for 2 weeks as been ill since 21st Dec) Due to take metoject today so I am just crossing my fingers & hoping now 😁

[dbestdeb]

Im sure you know the biologic stops your body’s natural ability to fight germs, that’s why you have to stop and give yourself time to heal. I hope you are better soon.

[MAHGS in reply to dbestdeb]

I know - just worried RA is going to rear it’s ugly head . My plan is go back on meds this week & if it all goes pear shaped miss next week .It is all very Russian roulette 🙈

[James53 in reply to MAHGS]

Your decision of course but if you are v poorly taking more immune suppressant meds could make you poorer!!

If I were you I would seek medical advise first to be safe

[MAHGS in reply to James53]

Thanks James I will call hospital😊

[Matilda_1922]

I’ve recently started Benepali in November and also have asthma so far so good. Have had a flare around Christmas time. I’ve had a long term cough found out before Christmas have bronchiectasis. But I’m taking Benepali 25 mg weekly so not on the full dose. Consultant aware that I’m on half the dose.

Hope you feel better soon

Matilda x

[MAHGS]

Thank you for getting back to me Matilda. I am on full dose so will see how I go