Covid vaccination & biologics

Has anyone been advised to stop their biologic either before or after the vaccination to get better take up & effect of the vaccine? I know that the general advice from Rheumy's is that it's fine for us to have any of the vaccinations offered, although we might have a blunted effect from it (still better than getting the virus & needing ventilation).

[Taddylady]

I wish I knew why they are advising us to continue with our meds. Isn't it better to have a flare-up of RA than to get Covid and possibly die.

[Lolabridge in reply to Taddylady]

Apparently not. Here's a link to the BSR website where you will find the latest information for clinicians.rheumatology.org.uk/practic...

[bpeal1 in reply to Taddylady]

Uncontrolled R.A. seems to be a far greater risk than the drugs we take. Makes sense really if our immune system is out of control how can it be doing the job it’s supposed to.

There is some discussion going on in the Arthritis research world that biological drugs may actually give us some protection against the most serious effects of covid.

[Taddylady in reply to bpeal1]

I have read the latter too but I was thinking of stopping my drugs before and after the vaccination. They are recommending this for Rituximab as this affects B cells. I am taking methotrexate and Baricitinib and the latter suppresses T cells which are needed to make memory B cells (I did immunology in my Biology degree) which are what you need to make a lasting immune response after vaccination.

[bpeal1 in reply to Taddylady]

I would recommend having a discussion with your rheumatology team for their advice. Also if you’ve not already seen it watch the nras webinar.

m.facebook.com/story.php?st...

[Taddylady in reply to bpeal1]

I couldn't find the webinar on the NRAS website and the facebook link you give doesn't work. Can you tell me how I can find it please. My rheumatology department in Oxford advise to keep taking the drugs based on what the BSR says.

[bpeal1 in reply to Taddylady]

Sorry, try this one.

facebook.com/nationalrheuma...

[Taddylady in reply to bpeal1]

Thank you-that video provided the most helpful information I've had.

[bpeal1 in reply to Taddylady]

Glad it worked and you found it helpful. I certainly found it very useful myself.

[Hidden in reply to Taddylady]

Who do you see in Oxford? I do shared care with an Oxford rheumy & my local one.

[Taddylady in reply to Hidden]

I see Dr Brand or Dr Jackman or someone in their team. I have also seen Prof. Arden.

[Hidden in reply to Taddylady]

I'm with Prof Arden - he's lovely! I usually see him in Banbury.

[Taddylady in reply to Hidden]

I live near Banbury and go to the Horton usually as well.

[allanah]

Look at nras.org.uk Lots of advice on timings of biologics on a blog there. I'm seeing my rheumy friday and am asking his advice then as in reality us shielders will need to know what to do if the government is saying we have the vaccination in next two months ... but the advice is still get some protection instead of none if allowed .

[RA57]

Morning, I spoke with my Rheumy Nurse yesterday regarding this and her advice was to try and leave a clear week either side between receiving the vaccination and injecting methotrexate and a biological, ie vaccination Sunday therefore do not inject methotrexate on the Monday and if I was due the biological the same Thursday to miss that . I then asked if I should alter my pattern for the biological and inject the following week and her advice was to leave it as it was. I hope this makes sense and helps a little, my advice would be to try and contact your team just to clarify, as different consultants may have different opinions/advice !!

Stay safe everyone and keep positive 😃 (as hard as it is ) x

[CagneysMum in reply to RA57]

Hi. Sorry if I’m being a bit slow to understand, but do you mean that you were advised to miss out your MTX injection and biologic rather than pushing it back by a week? Obviously I’ll speak to my own rheumy but was very interested in the advice you were given.

[RA57 in reply to CagneysMum]

Hi. methotrexate push back a week but biological to miss if due the same week close to your vaccination. It just depends when you have the vaccination and when you have to inject your meds. Like I said best to check with your own team, sorry for the confusion 😀

[CagneysMum in reply to RA57]

No problem.. thanks 👍