Shinglix injections for shingles

[Poshcards]

I am after a bit of advice please. I know a lot of you have had these injections, mine is due next week, so, do I take my methotrexate injections as per normal or wait for a couple of weeks to start again?

[ruth_p]

I only stop my mtx for the covid vaccine but not for any other vaccine. Other people on here do. Maybe ask your rheumatologist helpline or ring the NRAS helpline? Sorry probably not that helpful a reply 😊

[dwsurquhart]

in my opinion, keep the mtx at its normal interval. If unsure, it is always a good idea to ask your prescribing doctor and advise the immunization nurse.

I have not had to stop any of my arthritis meds to get a vaccine.

I am on my 4th biologic and was on all the DMARDS beforehand, and I was advised to not stop taking these meds for an immunization.

Hope this helps.

[vonniesims]

Neither my friend or I stopped ours. I should tell you my arm was swollen and red after the first one, and my friend was quite poorly Just so you know. That shouldn't put you off having them though!

[medway-lady in reply to vonniesims]

Same here it hurt a lot for days.

[Amnesiac3637]

Hi. Have never stopped any meds for vaccination and have never been advised to do so - and have been on most known to medical science! Have had part one of the Shingrix vaccine 8 weeks ago and was totally fine after it and am off this morning for part two and hopefully won’t have any adverse effects from this one either.

Don’t mean to sound smug but we’re all different and react so differently to our own circumstances that if you’re worried, always contact your health professional. I was one and we never minded being contacted for reassurance.

[Poshcards in reply to Amnesiac3637]

Thank you for your reply xx

[oldtimer2]

There is limited evidence that stopping methotrexate can result in a better immune response to immunisation, but only in some people. You (or your medical team) need to weigh the risks of a flare again a possible benefit.

If you are likely to get a flare, they usually advise against stopping, but if you have missed a dose or two without problems it's worth stopping it for a couple of weeks.

[Pulfs]

I stopped mine and I’m glad I did as my arm was quite sore and I felt rough for about 4days, if I’d had methotrexate fatigue and fog brain as well that would have very too much. Hope you don’t get a reaction , had no reaction with all my covid vaccines only this one. X

[Poshcards in reply to Pulfs]

Thanks for replying, I had reactions to all m covid and flu jabs xx

[Pulfs]

fingers crossed 🤞🏻 this one will be ok x

[medway-lady]

No idea about the MTX but make sure you have paracetamol in because it hurts and aches for days.

[smilelines]

I hope your doctor can tell you what to do. I read that the shingles vaccine is not as effective on immunosuppressed people. That would suggest missing some doses might be good but I am not sure.