Advice Needed When on Biologics

[Juliachoo]

Hi all, 4 weeks & I day in on Imraldi biologics & I am doing very well...however, had the little ones for the day Tuesday & this morning have found out one of them has come down with Chickenpox! I’m sure we were warned about coming into co tact with both chickenpox & shingles while on these meds, so I would like to ask if anyone has had contact with it? Developed any complications? Come off the biologics because of Contact? What symptoms do I have to look out for? And lastly, should I contact my rheumy team & Inform?

Thank you everyone in advance..🥰

[helixhelix]

You will probably be alright as the critical thing is to avoid the fluid in the pustules. However, I would tell your rheumy team that you have been in contact with children with chicken pox. And if you have any symptoms at all then head off to GP straight away.

[Juliachoo]

Thank you 💕

[RA57]

Hi, I was in a similar situation as I looked after my granddaughter 2 days before she came out with chickenpox. I found out after ringing a few professionals that as part of the screening before the biological drug we are tested. I would give your rhumy nurse a quick ring to confirm but hopefully like me you will be fine 😊👍

[Juliachoo in reply to RA57]

My rheumy Nurse has said even if you have immunity it never leaves your body & can be “reawakened” along with shingles 🤭

[Campaigner]

Hi Julia, I too think you should notify your team, just to be on the safe side.

[Juliachoo]

Just came off the phone to my rheumy Nurse.. she has confirmed my fears that being in contact during the 14-16 day incubation period can “reawaken” the chickenpox virus even if you have had it😱.. also found out my very poorly uncle who I went to see last week has now developed shingles & that also applies the same.. talk about a double whammy! If any sign of spots or rashes it’s straight to GP or A & E for antiviral medication...🤭

[janmary]

I had to have shingles vaccine before starting biologics.

But you don’t catch shingles from chicken pox - it’s in your system and crops up when your resistance is lowered by fatigue/ illness.

Hope you stay free.

[Twitty999 in reply to janmary]

My Consultant is in the process of starting me on a Biologic “Rituximab “ & has asked me to have the Shingles jab but my GP refuses to do it because it’s a live vaccine, according to NICE guidelines. Apparently my Rhuemy’s don’t do vaccines either!...pls can I ask how you got yours done xx

[janmary in reply to Twitty999]

I had it done by the practice nurse at my GP practice. I was already on Methotrexate, and was advised by rheumy nurse to stop that for a week either side of the vaccine.

Both rheumatology dept and pharmacy insisted on my having shingles vaccine before starting Tofacitinib, as its one of the commonest 'side effects' of biologics.

Perhaps your rheumy nurse could write a note to the GP? The vaccine is always done in GP clinics - hospitals don't stock vaccines normally, except for specific cases (eg tetanus in A&E,)

[janmary]

I have now looked after many grandchildren when they’ve had chicken pox , and never developed shingles. 🤞

[Campaigner]

Hi Julia,. How are you doing at the moment?

Pauline xx

[Juliachoo in reply to Campaigner]

Hi Pauline, doing very well, how are you ? We exchanged today we now move in 2 weeks xx

[Campaigner]

Hi Julia, so glad the move is going ahead now.

Great you are doing well, I am so pleased for you. I think you have been in a much worse state than myself.

I feel marginally better in myself and energy level better about 5 or 6 days in but back down at the moment.

I am hopeful of good results though.

[Juliachoo]

After the 3rd biologic you will see how well it’s working xx

[Campaigner]

I absolutely can't wait for that day. Xx

[precious123]

I would say by all means contact your Rheumatologist. Let us know how you do.

[Juliachoo in reply to precious123]

My Rhuemy Nurse told me to keep an eye on any spots appearing, after 12 days no spots so assuming I am ok x