I read a lot of people on facebook are quiting their DMARDs due to the threat of catching the Coronavirus. Thinking their immune system will not fight it. Even some saying their Rhuematologist told them to stop taking it until this pandemic clears....this is a very mixed signal to give out.
What are your thought?
The signal I have had has been loud and clear. Do NOT stop taking your meds.
If and only if you are diagnosed with Covid19, the official advice is to keep on taking HCQ, SSZ and steroids. But stop taking MTX and any Biologicals or Biosimilars for the duration of the illness.
If we all stopped our meds, we would probably go into a flare and require medical intervention. The NHS has diverted all possible resources to fighting the virus leaving a skeleton service for other ailments which would be overwhelmed.
'Keep taking the pills'
No way, I'd kill anyone who tried to take my methotrexate off me!!🤣😂. Seriously though, for me, I've got no intention of stopping medication, I'm being careful and following all the advice to avoid the virus, but honestly won't risk a flare (which would leave me needing medical help when there's little available) by stopping meds.
The message is very clear that people should NOT stop taking their medications. As others have rightly so said it is likely to cause a flare up and medication intervention may be needed. The best thing we can try and do is reduce any additional pressures to our already very stretched NHS. There was a great webinar from a rheumatologist from Preston and NRAS recently and the rheumatologist was saying it is very unlikely that any medical intervention can be given at the moment as many rheumatology teams are being pulled into the front line to assist with treating the virus. Their are limitations also to what medications can be prescribed at the moment too if a new medication is needed and having steroids will put someone in the extremely vulnerable group too. Best keep taking the medication is the message I am hearing loud and clear.
Pre my biologic I was in great pain - unable to walk or function. I was in incredible pain with my feet, my hands. I was free falling, feeling scared and helpless.
Now although I am tender - I can walk do light exercise and mentally I am in a better place. I would be scared if they stopped my meds to be honest.
No way would I stop my Methotrexate unless absolutely necessary. I recently had a very unpleasant flare due to 4 weeks off it whilst changing over to injections and don't want to have to go through that again. Funnily enough, I lay in bed this morning thinking about how wonderful it was to wake up feeling so "normal" (not perfect but relatively) and thought about past posts about people hesitating about starting DMARDS and what I would say to them - "grab them" (gently!)
DO NOT if you are inside and safe and following the rules why would you. Remember a lot of people will get c19 and survive too. That is my view.
All NRAS webinars etc have said this too.
As I understand unless you are specifically told to stop taking them by your rheumy or medical professional you should not do so. Stopping or reducing meds off your own bat is not good and has the potential to create more problems so as I understand the message is unless you are told to stop carry on. Besides as others have said it could lead to further problems which could end up using resources that are currently needed or have been diverted to fight this virus. When things are back to a level of normality we are going to potentially need their help then as a lot of us are having to hold on, wait or will need them as our health needs may have changed or declined. So why put any pressure on them now unless necessary by stopping your meds (unless you are having an adverse reaction in which case you would contact them).
Since this question was first asked months ago The British Society for Rheumatology has recommended that we should continue taking ALL the medication we are prescribed to control our RA.
Those who choose not to do so may of course follow their own choices, but please don’t write in complaining if your disease worsens.......personally I trust my rheumatologist & will continue all my treatment.
If you are unfortunate & do contract CV19 I’m sure the physicians treating the virus will know how to deal with any underlying condition......but why chance having a flare as well as the considerable discomfort of the Corona virus?
Common sense says Don’t Stop Your Meds.
Unless you have been told by a medical person, doctor, rheumy DON'T stop them.xxx
Thank for all your responces...I will keep taking my MTX and did think these people on facebook are not wise at all but I understand their concerns. I also think that inflammation can reach vital organs like the heart so this is also dangerous if you come off your meds.
Yes, you are right. Lungs can be affected.
I read that recent flares and/or inadequately controlled RA (active disease) is a risk factor if infected by COVID-19.
May e you could do people a favour on the facebook groups and tell them that they should continue their meds?
Facebook is not a reliable research tool.......for anything!
It is a hobby for people who think every move they make is of interest to any other sad soul who reads/writes on it.
It’s a bit like when mobile phones first arrived....everybody on the train had to phone-a-friend to tell them in a very loud voice I’M ON THE TRAIN!!
So please never rely on it for any advice on your medical treatment 😷🤒
I allways love your comments ...thank you
Yes your right the best thing is to keep taking your meds unless otherwise told xxx
Wrong wrong wrong . British rheumatological society and NRAS clearly state keep taking your medicines UNLESS you have infection or corona virus then stop till 1 week after recovery as normal for infections .
I have not heard of anyone being told to stop RD meds due to coronavirus. Quite the opposite, all support networks NRAS for example, NHS Scotland, GPs and rheumatologist are saying ...keep taking your meds.
Uncontrolled RD raises your risk of infection, flares, becoming unwell and hence unnecessarily draining NHS resources.
If you become unwell, either with suspected coronavirus or other ailment you should contact either your GP or NHS111 for advice.
DMARDS Alternatives...
Stopped Taking Methotrexate
Stop or carry on taking meds
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