Recurring cellulitis and tocilizumab

[Typsey]

Hello everyone.

Has anyone had recurring cellulitis whilst taking tocilizumab?. I’ve had it four times now in the last few years, the last episode being nearly 4weeks ago. I have had antibiotics now for 24days and just finished them yesterday. I’m not sure if it has gone as I have a or of swelling still and still feels a bit hot although the redness has gone apart from a bit on the front of my shin. I haven’t been able to take my usual methotrexate or tocilizumab until the infection clears so 8m not sure if the swelling is a result of my RA objecting to the lack of medication.Was wondering if anyone else is having this problem. I never suffered from it before Tocilizumab. 🤗🤗🤗

[julie1908]

Hi, A few years ago whilst on methotrexate i had recurrent cellulitis on my shins also.

[Typsey in reply to julie1908]

Thanks Julie. Can I ask how you managed to get rid or do you still get it sometimes?

[happytulip]

May I ask what antibiotics you were on and what was the dose? It may not be that the big was sensitive to that abx or the dose was to low . I have experience of this.

[Typsey in reply to happytulip]

Hi happy tulip. I had 14days of fluxacyline sorry bout the spelling 4 a day then doxycycline 100mg one twice a day or 10 days. I’m still suffering with the stinging and soreness on my shin .

[happytulip in reply to Typsey]

1g of flucloxacillin 4 times a day is the correct dose. It's usually given for a week but would be extended for you given your RA meds. The only reason I ask is that recently I have come across one or two people who have had 500mg flucloxacillin prescribed which is half the dose.

If you get another bout of the dreaded cellulitis and you have an area that is weeping or punctured, as in the skin being punctured, I would encourage you to ask the Dr or nurse to take a wound swab and send it off for culture before starting anti biotics. You might get an idea about what is causing the infection.

I hope you feel better soon and the pain settles.

[Typsey in reply to happytulip]

Thank you Hun. I will. I think I’ts possibly coming to an end but my skin is still sore and stinging on the front shin. It’s not swollen though and I get relief when I put my leg up . Im using E45 cream that’s for sore and itchy skin so I hope that cures it. Im really desperate to start my biological again to get some relief from joint pain. I took methotrexate last night so fingers crossed. Thanks for taking the time to answer. Hope you keep well.

[pauluk60]

typsey not gone if still red and hot needs watching who is treating you i would definitely ask for further treatment l had it a few times but i am not on your meds i was in hospital twice with i/v antibiotics i now keep legs covered all time and check toes for splits/cracks and feet

[Typsey in reply to pauluk60]

Hi pauluk60. I have been in contact with the dr and he thinks it maybe pheriphal neoropathy due to the burning I also get in my feet. He thinks the infection has gone and has prescribed amitriptyline 10mg one a night and I am to see him in 2 weeks. Also wants blood test done. I’m hoping this does get rid as I’m sick of it now. I usually keep my legs covered and keep my skin moisturised. I’ve bought some swim shoes for when I go on holiday just in case. Thanks for the reply. I’ll definately be keeping my eye on everything.

[pauluk60 in reply to Typsey]

well done typsey doc knows best yes it sounds a bit different to where i was so a course of amitriptyline its a naughty bug put me down a few times i got some horror pics of it but their x rated ugh scabs pink leg so do as you say and you should be ok