would seem to suggest 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 and I have never taken up the offered annual flu injections. I am not a great supporter of chemical interference and always choose the most natural treatment where possible. 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?
Written by
trevo
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Adulumimab is being trialled as a treatment for the cytokine storm that affects some people severely after infection. It won't stop you getting it and being potentially severely ill.
It is sensible to continue to take precautions to avoid becoming infected if you can.
But if you are in area where infection rates are low then taking sensible precautions - taking exercise outside, socially distancing, washing hands and wearing a mask is probably sufficient.
It doesn't seem sensible to me to 'shield' that is, to stay away from people altogether when this epidemic is likely to continue for months yet. Doing things like attending appointments, getting blood tests, etc. cannot be put off indefinitely.
I hope also that the level of treatment that you are taking will be sufficient to protect you from the long term effects of Rheumatoid Disease which is also a severe threat to the body.
I am on 15mg of MTX and a biologic and I have never shielded - as a concept it doesn’t exist in France. I am careful instead.
It does look as if these drugs may help people with the infection, but you never know how you will react and it also depends whether you have other comorbidities as to how it will affect you. But if you can manage for 3 months without drugs at all then must be doing pretty well!
It’s a choice, not a requirement, so you do what feels right for you.
I too am on 15mg metoject and abatacept (biologic) and never been told to shield. When in total lockdown we never went out for weeks, although I am a little worried because I am 66 I still go out food shopping now because it is almost impossible to get a slot for delivery.
Hi there and thanks to all for the useful replies. I think that if you follow the barrier guidelines and steer very clear of the COVIDIOTS that don't, then it's possible to stay safe. It obviously depends a lot on your personal situation (s). I'm booked to fly to UK on Saturday and once back will have the 14 day quarantine to do. I was fortunate to get a shopping deliver slot fairly easily for the next day. Previously, it had been impossible. I've also got a video consultation with my hospital and I'm wondering about how to explain not taking any medication for the last three months! All the best to all and stay safe, sane and well.
Perhaps room for a little “misspeaking” and say you were stuck overseas without your drugs? But if you’ve managed for 3 months without them do you really need them?
I think I'm going to say 2 months as I actually don't want to get cut off from them. This is because it is such a lottery to get them in the first place and the government never seems to give back whatever it takes away.
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To shield or not to shield, that is the question?
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