Bladder infection

[Bonnett121]

Hi, its possible I have a bladder infection on the way, I have been told if I have to take the antibiotics Ive been given I need to stop methotrexate and amgevita biologic. I have no idea what to expect in terms of how I may feel etc. I cant get hold of my rheumatology dept. So looking for anyones experience of a similar scenario ie immunosuppressed, antibiotics etc. Most grateful for any info 🌻🌼🌻

[Summerrain14]

Hi, I am so sorry to read you have a bladder infection.I can tell you what I have been advised to do but do keep trying to get in touch with GP or rheumatology like you are doing as they know you and your medical situation best. We are all so different aren’t we? We just can’t take methotrexate and biologic if we have an infection no matter what. I have been recently diagnosed with recurrent UTI’s and interstitial cystitis. I am also on DMARDs and amgevita biologic as well. When I have a bladder infection I have to stop the DMARDs and amgevita and take a course of antibiotics. I have rescue packs of antibiotics in case of an infection and take them at the very first sign of a UTI. For me it causes frequency of needing to wee, pain when urinating, painful bladder spasms as well as pain in my lower stomach so know the signs straight away these days.

I take a sample of urine into my GP survey at first signs and they issue another course of antibiotics to replace my rescue pack so I always have antibiotics at home when needed and then send my urine sample off to the lab for a urine culture to ensure I am on the right antibiotics. I then wait at least three days after I finish the course of antibiotics before resuming my DMARDs and biologic. I hope this helps a little. Thinking of you and sending gentle hugs xx

[Bonnett121 in reply to Summerrain14]

Oh thanks so much for your response! So grateful for it. I know what to expect now, and please take care 🌻❤️🌻

[Sunset54 in reply to Summerrain14]

My consultant wrote to my GP to request a low dose long term use antibiotic for Recurring UTI’s. So now I have no UTI and don’t need to miss any RA medication. Way to go!

[Summerrain14 in reply to Sunset54]

I was on the preventative antibiotics since last July but sadly this stopped working for me in Feb this year. So pleased to hear it is working for you. Long may it continue xx

[ElaineRasucks]

Yes, I have found I've been. More susceptible to bladder infections as well, since being on meds for RA. More specifically Rinvoq and humira

[helixhelix]

The times when I’ve had to stop my drugs it has be ok for a couple of weeks. More than that and I get RA symptoms returning. So hope one course of 7 day antibiotics will sort out your UTI.

[Bonnett121 in reply to helixhelix]

Thanks so much… its so good to hear other experiences

[Runrig01]

Yes, I’m always advised to stop MTX and biologic whilst on antibiotics. I also have to wait for at least 48hrs to ensure the infection isn’t returning, before restarting meds

[Bonnett121 in reply to Runrig01]

Thats good to know, thank you!

[Egpa]

I have always been told to give up my mtx injections when on any antibiotics. I start again on my normal day after the last tablet. Good luck.

[Bonnett121 in reply to Egpa]

Thank you!🌻

[Corazones]

My Rheumatologist says to stop Enbrel while on antibiotics. My GP, pharmacist and Gynecologist say it’s not necessary so I’m really confused. I too get frequent UTI’s so I’m not sure what to do! Does anyone know WHY antibiotics need to be stopped??

[Fergie432]

Always told to skip Methotrexate when I’ve been prescribed antibiotics for various infections

[AKA13]

I am on Methotrexate only. My GP was able to prescribe antibiotics to me that can be taken with methotrexate. Might be worth asking your medical professional. Hope you are able to sort things out and get better.

[Bonnett121 in reply to AKA13]

Thank you so much! x

[Lematt]

Hi. I currently have a urine infection and they have put me on a course of Nitrofurantoin.I asked at the surgery if I needed to come off my Biologics and was told no it wasn’t a problem. Thank god I spoke to my Rheumatology nurse yesterday and she told me not to carry on with the Biologics until the infection had cleared up. Apparently, if you continue with the Biologics it will take much longer for the infection to clear up.

Hope this helps. Take care. Jacqui 😊

[Bonnett121 in reply to Lematt]

Thank you for that, yes I got contradictory advice 🌻

[Corazones in reply to Lematt]

Thank you!

[Sarmita50]

I am on MTX only. They don't stop me taking this while I am on antibiotics.But your case is different .You must see advice from your Rheumatologist.Good luck Bonnetti

[Bonnett121 in reply to Sarmita50]

Thanks so much!🌼

[Bonnett121]

Thank you!