Amgevita and recurring chest infections

[Purplepoppy2]

Does anyone who’s on Amgevita suffer with recurring, serious chest infections ? Have only been on it for 4 months but have had 3 chest infections and a very swollen painful elbow. Waiting to finish antibiotics before I start injecting again, but if it’s leaving me so vulnerable to infections, I’m wondering if it’s worth taking it. I have PsA, also heart disease and asthma.

[Garnacha]

Sorry I can't offer any help, I have PSA too, but I hope it's just a blip & you're feeling much better soon with no more hiccups x

[Potatos]

Never been a problem for me.

[Evie3]

i cant offer any help as on Rituximab but I have had 19 back to back chest infections since starting that in 2019…like you I am asthmatic too. These treatments work so well. The last chest infection I had was in November and asked to have my sputum tested (for the first time!). The bacteria they found was sitting in my tubes and was never cleared, hence reinfection. By doing the test I had the correct antibiotic and touching wood and whistling I havent had a recurrence. My infusion is tomorrow. If I do get another chest infection, I will have to change meds. Good luck

[Purplepoppy2 in reply to Evie3]

My GP did suggest a sputum test so that makes sense. I also suffer with GERD and have ongoing issues with swallowing . Had operation 2 years ago, but this is breaking down and I'm facing more surgery soon. Really need to build up my immune system, so looks like I have 2 choices. Stay with Amgevita and risk more infections, or continue and suffer the pain ,stiffness and terrible swelling of joints.

[Evie3 in reply to Purplepoppy2]

a difficult choice😭

[Leics]

I’m not on amgevita but had one infection after another and was convinced it was the same one reoccurring over and over when I was on a half dose of Baricitanib. I was like that for about 6 months and kept on having to start stop for antibiotics even though I was taking prophylactic doses every day because of my immune system issues. When eventually it cleared the Baricitanib stopped working so I felt I was back to square one. It would be as Evie mentioned, get a sputum test done and make sure you’re on the correct dose and antibiotic. It’s what I have to do now.

[TheBoys]

hi there- how are you finding amgevita now?

I am starting on it and a bit worried to be honest having had pneumonia /sepsis two years ago

Thanks

[Purplepoppy2 in reply to TheBoys]

I’m ready to give up on Amgevita, despite my improvement in swelling and pain in joints. The number of chest infections I’ve suffered is the deciding factor. I’m trying to keep my joints ( hands and feet especially) as warm as possible and using natural remedies, as so many meds seem to be destroying my stomach!