Increased steroids while taking antibiotics

[Donna99]

My daughter has RA and has recently developed a chest infection. She has ceased Humira injections and methotrexate while taking antibiotics. But why has her steroids tablets been increased from 7 mg a day to 40 mg?

[helixhelix]

Perhaps as a preventative measure to ward off a flare if she has come off her DMARDs? But if you are concerned then ask her doctors (if she is still a child) or suggest she does so.

[Donna99 in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you for your reply. She is a university student and her medication she usually gets from her rheumatologist. But she is home for the summer and had to go to A and E. She is still taking supersalazine. It’s just so hard to talk to anyone!

[wishbone]

My understanding is that DMARDs are stopped so that the immune system is more capable at fighting an infection, at least that's been the mode of thought when I've had an infection. Steroids, like DMARDs, also suppress the immune system so it seems a bit odd to stop DMARDs and increase steroids. Might be a good idea to have a chat with your doctors.

[oldtimer]

Please ask your health care team - but I have often had my steroid dose increased when I have had infections if that is any help.

[dbestdeb]

I would assume it is to help with pain while she is off her other meds. My dr does the same thing when I stop taking the immune suppressants in order to allow an infection to clear.