Biologics & Past illnesses

[Juliachoo]

Hi all, as the normal meds MTX & SFZ are failing I was given literature last week on biologics by the Specialist RN.. however, will I be denied them because of past Pneumonia even though it’s 9 years ago? I also have hay fever. Touch

Wood havnt had a cold or flu for a year, I did have acute bronchitis 14 months ago..thanks in Advance ..

[GranAmie]

i had lung probs , courtesy of methotrexate, abt 2 yrs ago but recovered ok and am now doing well on a bio. choices are more limited but yr consultant will or shd tell u wot's possible. good luck xx

[Juliachoo in reply to GranAmie]

Thank you I’m on 25ml subcutaneous Methotrexate at the moment plus 6X500mg sulfasalazine & still having flares xx

[Hidden]

I’m on a biologic and had had pneumonia years before being put on them. They do check your lungs beforehand but I do not know what the criteria is for denying you them. Good luck. Let us know how you get on.

[helixhelix]

Well I've had TB, two goes of double pneumonia and more attacks of bronchititis that I can remember. Plus am an ex-smoker. However none of this prevented me getting biologics. Yes had to have the chest scan and TB checks, but as a precaution rather than a threshold to get through.

[Juliachoo in reply to helixhelix]

Well that’s helped put my fears away..thank you so much, not that I’m banking on getting them as I don’t like my consultant & im sure he doesn’t like me either..ever since I took my husband with me he’s become hostile...thinking of changing as the covering consultant who was lovely is now permanent... but how do I go about changing?

[helixhelix in reply to Juliachoo]

Ask the nurse if there is another rheumatology team and ask to be transferred to that consultant's list.

[AgedCrone]

Tbh I don’t know...but I have Hay Fever (sniff, sniff...this weather maybe lovely..but boy am I glad I’m leaving the UK on holiday next week) & I am on Biologics.Each biologic acts differently.... because I had cancer many years ago there were only two I could take.

Talk to your rheumatology team...they will advise which may suit you.

Hope you find something that helps.

[Juliachoo in reply to AgedCrone]

I too have hay fever but it’s not as bad since my medication for it was changed to fexofenadine, Just one

A day xx

[Allychen]

Hi, I am on bios now, but during screening, found out I had latent TB!! It took over 9 months to clear it (and meds made me feel rubbish, so kind of wrote off whole year). I am also non-smoker. But I was given bios so don't see why you can't have them, but as has been said, your consultant will talk you thro' it.

Good luck!

[Juliachoo in reply to Allychen]

Thank you xx

[amberly87]

Juliachoo-

I started biologics about a year (or a little over) ago and, once I found the right one and and the right dose, it was life changing. Granted there are risks involved, but the quality of life it gave me was worth it. As far as I know you can, and should, only not receive them if you are sick at the time. It’s very important to reschedule if you are sick as they weaken your immune system and you won’t be able to recover from the illness easily. To my knowledge past illnesses shouldn’t matter. Good luck!

[Juliachoo in reply to amberly87]

Thank you! Xx