Where do I stand now with anti virals?

[Bon1]

Hello to you all

I have chosen to stop taking Adalimumab because I don’t think it’s doing anything and it has triggered a patch of vitiligo which i want to try and avoid spreading.

This means I am now taking methotrexate 20mg subcut and 6mg pred. I was wondering Do I still qualify for anti virals?

And if I do - has anyone out there been prescribed paxovlid who also takes daily pred? I’d rather avoid another biologic after the adalimumab didn’t work out (then again I’m obviously clueless as to how these things work so that might just be me being over anxious!)

Would love to hear from anyone who has some knowledge about this minefield!

Bon

X

[bpeal1]

If you look on the British Rheumatology website by clicking this link rheumatology.org.uk/practic... and selecting ‘what treatments are being made available’ it gives the eligibility criteria. It looks like you need to be taking more than 10mg of prednisolone to be eligible. Even being on Adalimumab wouldn’t have made you automatically eligible, you also have to have active/unstable disease.

[Bon1 in reply to bpeal1]

Ah thats sounds very useful. Thanks!

[AgedCrone]

Not much knowledge……but Don’t worry….If you test positive you will be triaged by a clinician from 111 or CMDU, who will decide if you will be offered anti virals…..they will have access to your medical records ….it seems now all the lists of this that & the drugs lists have been put on the back burner..& everyone is assessed individually.

[Bon1 in reply to AgedCrone]

Thanks AC. I’m weary of trying to keep my head round all the ifs and buts!

[AgedCrone in reply to Bon1]

I know exactly what you mean….even when you manage to speak to somebody who professes to know what they are talking about - you get a different answer from each of them.I’m relying on the fact that as I have escaped the virus so far…..I won’t catch it now….but qué será,será!!!

[Knip in reply to AgedCrone]

Hope you aren't speaking too soon, AC. It gets confusing, as you say, when different people say different things about who qualifies for anitvirals. My RA consultant suggested ringing the helpline if I'm unlucky enough to get it...because he said they are getting much information through at all. Stay well. 🙏

[AgedCrone in reply to Knip]

I am an optimist…..have kept clear since day one…my life style didn’t change that much & anyone I know who caught Covid did nothing risky & had no idea where they caught it.Enough is enough now……if I get it I get it…..if I survive it I would still think the same!

If I don’t…I won’t know anything about it will I?

[Knip in reply to AgedCrone]

Great outlook AC. I'm being a little less obsessed now! For the first time yesterday my husband didn't wear a mask when he went round to one of our sons for the Football final, even though several of my son's friends were there enjoying a BBQ before the match. My biggest dread, when I am stupid enough to dwell on it, is vascular dementia. Because that is so cruel to family and friends. I already have a slight narrowing in the external capsule in my brain, which you may know, with your background, is the main 'hub', from a small stroke in 2016, so if my speech gets muddled or slurred, I get a bit concerned. Anyway, morbid talk! Today is today and to be enjoyed as such, and we'll let tomorrow take care of itself! I hope you have a lovely day! God Bless, x

[AgedCrone in reply to Knip]

I’m an old lady Knip….I’m grateful after all the illnesses I have managed to have navigated, that I am still able to drive, to get out and to travel when Covid gets the heck out of it.

I concentrate on what I can do …...not what I can’t. I live as healthily as I can…. But I do have a big problem ….I don’t like chocolate !!!

My comfort food is a packet of Crisps…… with a glass of wine🍷of course!

I do have the odd wobble… I am presently watching a dear friend struggling with Altzheimer’s Disease…..in fact he’s fine…it’s his wife & children who are suffering more.

As I think I have said many times before…. sitting worrying about what you might get - only stops you enjoying what makes you happy…so let’s look forward to a lovely Covid free Summer!

I have just bought a garden kneeling stool….in the fond hope that somebody will try it out pulling up a few weeds for me….there is nowt

so crafty as an old lady!!

[Knip in reply to AgedCrone]

Love the idea of the stool AC! Nothing like optimism is there! It's pouring with rain here in the south so it's going to be gortex macs out for church tonight! My son and his wife have had rain for most of the their touring holiday at the top of Scotland, but the sun has come out today for them just in time to wish my daughter in law a happy birthday...so there are many blessing to be found if we look for them. Have a good day. 🌈

[AgedCrone in reply to Knip]

Well I dragged out the mosquito screen for the patio doors yesterday…& set up the fan as it was such a hot sunny day!

Far too optimistic…cool & cloudy today… but at least I’m ready for the next sunny day!

Hope you don’t get too wet this evening!

[Runrig01]

Unfortunately MTX and prednisolone at 6mg wouldn’t qualify you for antivirals. As Bpeal says it is also dependant on you being classed as having active or unstable disease. Were you on the biologic at the time of all your other vaccines?, I know access to the 5th dose is dependant on when you were on the biologics, not sure if antivirals are the same. Neither MTX or pred are contraindicated with Paxlovid, but many other meds are so it would depend on what else you were taking. I would just continue taking the same precautions and if you do test positive ring 111 and see if they will refer you to the local CMDU unit. It will be the consultant of the unit who will triage you and make the decision re your risks and eligibility. Stay safe 🤗

[bpeal1 in reply to Runrig01]

I think you mean eligible for antivirals 😀

[Runrig01 in reply to bpeal1]

Lol 😂, you are correct. I’ll edit it 👍

[Bon1 in reply to Runrig01]

Thanks MG! I knew what you meant 😂. I appreciate your reply. Weirdly I’m almost relieved not to qualify any more. I feel worn down with thinking about medication!

[AgedCrone in reply to Runrig01]

At this time of year don’t forget antihistamines..both Terfenadine &Astemizolec….are mentioned as possibly causing arrhythmia!So do mention them if you are questioned.