Shingles Vaccine?

[Maggiemae58]

On Methotrexate and Sulfasalazine and wondering if I can take Shingles vaccine? My Rheumatoid Dr is away and pharmacy has mixed reviews on this topic.

[Barrister]

I was talking to my rheumy nurse on Tuesday as my dad was due to have the shingles jab on Wednesday. She said it’s fine with Sulphasalazine but I don’t know about MTX.

Clemmie

[Maggiemae58 in reply to Barrister]

Yes it’s the Methotrexate no one seems to know about. Awe well thanks for input.

[DiHi]

Yes,go ahead,as shingles is really horrid,and with our lack of immunity it’s really necessary

[helixhelix]

Shingles is a live vaccine, so care has to be taken. However Methotrexate only slightly compromises immune system. This NHS document seems to suggest it's ok to have the vaccine with a normal'ish dose of MTX, or with Sulphasalazine. But not if you are on both.

rnhrd.nhs.uk/uploads/files/...

To be sure you need to discuss with your own doctor.

[Maggiemae58]

Thanks for the info.

[Beachwalk]

I have just had shingles and due to start Methotrexate in January. My RA nurse advised I needed to have the singles vacation at least a month before I can start Methotrexate , doctor advised me yesterday I need to be shingles free for a year to have the injection.

So all very new to this and confused !

[Gnarli in reply to Beachwalk]

That mix of advice wasn't very helpful, was it? I wish they'd all tell us the same thing

[janmary]

My rheumatologist has just emailed me to say that the new guidance is that you can have Shingles vacc on M/X if yourdose is less than 20mg, though she added that it seemed a bit random!

[5halifax]

I live in Canada and the Shingrix vaccine was approved here this year. Unlike the zostofax vaccine, it is not a live vaccine and is safe to have while on Methotrexate. I had it last February and April (two stage process) while on 15mg Methotrexate weekly and am happy to be protected! Note that this Shingrix vaccine is much more effective than the old one. Perhaps is will be available where you live soon and might be worth the wait. Your pharmacist will likely know. Hope this helps!

[Maggiemae58 in reply to 5halifax]

Thank you so much I will look into getting the Shingrix vaccine

[GranAmie]

I'm on bio-similar and was told NOT to take shingles vacc as it's live; dunno if that applies 2u tho. take care xox

[lucymead in reply to GranAmie]

I am on biosimilar too. My Rhuemy and GPS all agree NO shingles vaccine as it is a Live vaccine. My autoimmune system is being compromised by the Biosimilar that's how it works.

[Maggiemae58]

Apparently I can get the Shingrix vaccine which is not a live vaccine. Just found this out which is great news for people with compromised immune systems. Take care.