Biologics

[Monkeypig]

Hi all

I know this is a question for my consultant but I’m not able to get hold of him and the rheum nurse wasn’t too helpful tbh

Wondered if anyone else could comment

Does taking biologics affect the readings you might have for other screening? For example, I’m a male in his forties and have a men’s health check coming up, wondering if biologics might mask a prostate problem, for example? The reading may be artificially low because the biologics are dampening some inflammation?

Wondered if anyone had any thoughts on this

Thanks

[helixhelix]

I have mo idea but have done a search, and found several small research studies (ie need confirmation from bigger studies) that show that statins, NSAIDs and diuretics can artificially lower PSA levels. But nothing about biologics...

scopeblog.stanford.edu/2010...

However when you look at the change caused by these drugs it is generally pretty small....which would be very important for monitoring prostate cancer but perhaps not enough to tip the balance in terms of detecting it?

And generally It seems that taking any action for potential prostate cancer on the basis of a single screening test is not a great idea, so if your levels seem extremely low but you have symptoms then you can stop drugs and repeat.

scienceblog.cancerresearchu...

Ask the doctors when you go for your screening....

[sylvi]

I don't know the answer to your question, you would have to speak to a dr.xxx

[Dspooky01]

You could have a physical examination? But unless you have a suspicion of a problem I wouldn’t worry overmuch.

[allanah]

I dont know but if you had say prostate problems you would have other symptoms such as weeping in the night or blood on the per that would show as well as blood tests? Just a guess x