I currently take adulumimab for RA. I am told to shield because along with Methotrexate 10mg weekly. I am immuno-suppressed. Yet this article suggests that adulumimab is being used to treat elderly Covid sufferers in UK care homes. If I am taking a medication that is proving to have a beneficial anti inflammatory response, is my immunodeficiency less of risk than previously thought? I have never had the flu, or, serious cold while I have been taking this medication for over six years now. I have halved the methotrexate dose and got rid of hydroxychloroquine use several years ago. Recently, I have been in France and have stopped taking all prescription meds for almost three months now. I intend to resume when I am back in the future.
However, this article (and others similar to it) have really muddied the waters concerning adulumimab/ anti TNF therapies, Covid 19 and (un)necessary shielding.
Any answers?
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trevo
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If we’re only taking a biologic and mtx then we didn't need to shield before unless we had other co-morbidities, that was my understanding, enhanced social distancing was the guidance. Do you have other co-morbidities that make you more vulnerable?
One of the key worries was steroids. If we had been prescribed steroids within the last 12 months and also taking biologic and other autoimmune suppressants, we were included on the shielding list.
The scientists and doctors are on a steep learning curve with Covid and discoveries and theories are in a state of flux as more evidence is presented. My Rheumy told me that biologics are being used and trialled in the treatment of Covid, they do not present us with increased risk.
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