Baricitinib with Covid

[LesBev]

Hi everyone. Typical to test positive on a weekend, lots of muscle pain and bad cold symptoms but blood oxygen ok.

Does anyone know if I should stop taking my Baricitinib?

usual helplines are not open and 111 has a very long wait time.

thank you

[Runrig01]

No. I was told to omit both methotrexate and my biologic if I got Covid, or even if someone else in the house had covid. You cannot restart till you test negative. Hope your not suffering too much 🤗

[J1707- in reply to Runrig01]

I’m on both these . I stopped both meds and also had antivirals. I was informed we need to have antivirals on these meds. Hope you feel better soon.

[LesBev in reply to J1707-]

yes, the doctor rang me and I do need anti virals. Thank you for replying 👍

[Madmusiclover]

STOP taking it. It’s the same rule as for any infection with Baricitinib. I’m a Baricitinib user. Chest was most affected for me for about 4 days, then a looooong recovery to fully better of about 12 weeks. Good luck!

[LesBev in reply to Madmusiclover]

thank you both so much for replying. I’ll stop taking it and ring the rheumatologist on Monday. Damn this covid, I hope we all stay as healthy as we can! Lesley x

[Madmusiclover in reply to LesBev]

You are eligible for antivirals. Talk to 111 today. I didn’t have them as by the time I tested positive for Covid (about 5 days in!) my body had done a lot of the work itself.

[LesBev in reply to Madmusiclover]

thank you, I didn’t know that. I’m waiting for the GP to ring so I’ll ask. How lovely it is to have support on here when you are a bit scared! X

[Madmusiclover in reply to LesBev]

oh bless you. Yes it’s a great group to belong to isn’t it? Just ask to be referred for antivirals. Let us know how you get on. X

[LesBev in reply to Madmusiclover]

it is a super group. Just found out how to report a positive test online and assume I’ll get anti virals 🤞Stay safe everyone X

[Madmusiclover in reply to LesBev]

I wouldn’t assume! Rattle all the cages you can; 111, GP….

[Madmusiclover]

ps I didn’t restart Bari until I felt well: as advised by rheumy. I had two false starts restarting but testing negative is not enough to restart.

[Jackie1947]

Yes until you have a negative result

[Monkeysmum]

Get well soon LesBev 💐

[LesBev in reply to Monkeysmum]

thank you 🙏🏻

[MJSlide1958]

You must speak with your Rheumy to get advice. I hope Baricitinib is working for the pain and inflammation of RA? Let me know how you are doing. Good luck

[Angjoplin]

I'm going to go against the grain here. I stopped my mtx but kept taking my baricitinib last week when i had covid. I felt a flare would do more harm than the covid would. Its the 3rd time I've had covid and it was only really a bad cold.

I'm not suggesting you do the same as me. I'm suggesting you listen to your body and do what you feel is right.

[LesBev in reply to Angjoplin]

it’s a judgement call at the end of the day. I’ve tried the hosp helpline to hear I’ll get a reply in 7-10 days! 111 said don’t stop taking it and my gp hasn’t replied to my urgent request yet. I haven’t got any anti virals and my chest hurts now The NHS is sick too I think, X

[Angjoplin in reply to LesBev]

Yes, I've had those bang your head against a brick wall moment many times. Its so hard getting help these days.

[Green230461]

my doc said to stop baricitinib and take antiviral tablets. Rheummy said do not restart until negative for a week. Get well soon💐

[LesBev in reply to Green230461]

Well the saga continues. Spoken to a GP, a covid triage nurse and now been told I have to speak to someone else who can prescribe anti virals. Still no definitive answer to stopping baricitinib.