Should I come off some medication so that I am not so immune suppressed?

I have been taking Mtx for about seven years now and because I didn't feel that they were really helping much and I am definately getting worse and able to do less and less all the time, my rheumatologist put me onto Leflunamide as well which I started to take in February.

However, with all the worry of the corona virus and because I am obviously immune suppressed, I thought I would take myself off the Leflunamide and just take the Mtx so that I would be a bit less of a risk than if I am on two of the drugs. I have left them off for a week now. However, the pain in my back, legs and knees is now much worse and I can hardly walk just around the house.

I don't know what to do as I wouldn't think that in just a week of being off Leflunamide it would affect me like this. I know you are not doctors but what do you think you would do in my place? Go back on Leflunamide or stay off it?

[helixhelix]

The very clear advice from NRAS and the Society of Rheumatologists is to stay on your drugs if you have no symptoms. If you have a flare you will be more vulnerable to catching the virus.

[Eiram50]

We are not doctors and are unable to give medical advice, as you say but personally, the advice given by medical practitioners is to continue taking prescribed medicine. It is acknowledged that there is risk attached but equally, not taking them and going into an uncontrolled flare, also introduces risk and also may place additional strain on already compromised services.

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Please listen to helixhelix

[allanah]

No !!!! Stay on your meds, there a lot of research going on that actually they are slightly helpful if anything if we atch Corona, still In research I must stress.

Flaring will put you at risk and some of our drugs are in our system a long time anyway! Look on nras.org.uk for up to date treatment advice and general advice .

Keep on your treatment according to British rheumatology society xx

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Thank you all for your help and advice on this subject. I have decided to go back on the Leflunamide now.

[AgedCrone]

In a Word No!

If ever your rheumatologist thinks you need to change/stop your medication they will tell you personally

If you look on the NRAS site you will find lots of information.

[Hidden]

Thank you. I have gone back on them now.

[Pinkypie2018]

Personally I would keep taking them so I'm glad to read your back on them. The advice given to us is to continue all medication unless of course you show symptoms.