Antibiotics after biopsy?

[Mymymy]

Hello dear,

I just had a skin biopsy and the dermatologist has prescribed antibiotics (7 days) as a preventative measure. I plan to get started with the antibiotics tonight (still debating in my head) - If so, I will still plan on taking my methotrexate according to usual schedule (Sundays) - my next Humira injection is not due yet . I am curious to see if my fellow RD warriors were also prescribed antibiotics after having a biopsy (particularly skin). Any sharings/thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you!

Mymymy

[AgedCrone]

No…..no anti biotics after skin biopsy…but it depends on the reason you needed the biopsy.

I presume the dermatologist had a good clinical reason for orescrbing them. Why didn’t you ask at the time as it could mean you stopping your RA drugs?

[Mymymy in reply to AgedCrone]

Hi AgedCrone, thanks for your reply. The dermatologist said that I don't have to skip my medications. I read about how antibiotics could cause muscle and joint pain...hope not🙄

[AgedCrone in reply to Mymymy]

It sometimes seems these doctors make it up as they go doesn’t it?🤣

[Mymymy in reply to AgedCrone]

Seems that way sometimes.. one doctor recommended a new drug when the new drug was approved. A year later, the same doctor told me to stay away from this new drug as complications have occurred with patients. That's why our network here is valuable - share experience (tears and joy too) and compare notes 😅

[AgedCrone in reply to Mymymy]

The pharmacist at my GP surgery phoned to say they want to change the make of one of my drugs because it is getting “very expensive.”

This drug was prescribed by a consultant cardiologist prior to me moving to my present GP. I am presuming nobody has asked his opinion.

I looked up the price of my present drug and it costs the grand sum of 17p per day! Then I checked the daily price of OTC Paracetamol at 50p for 16 & that works out at just over 3p per day…so I suppose to spend 17p a day on an old biddy like me is expecting too much…… especially when I get free prescriptions?

[Mymymy in reply to AgedCrone]

🤣..hope your new med works for you.

[AgedCrone in reply to Mymymy]

Still deciding whether to take them…will try to contact prescribing consultant to get his opinion…,but why should I have to ?

[Mymymy in reply to AgedCrone]

Good idea. You shouldn't have to. Unfortunately, the burden is on patients😌

[wilbertjellyfish in reply to AgedCrone]

I agree you shouldn't have to. As a vet I have to prescribe vet approved drugs before the equivalent human one and if I want to give the human one it can't be because it's cheaper. (Occasionally, for people who really can't afford vet ones I might be quite creative in my reasoning). They can't put you at risk to save a couple of pence so ask about side effects, effectiveness, Formulation etc.

[AgedCrone in reply to wilbertjellyfish]

When I first took this drug my GP faffed about for ages & eventually referred me to a cardiologist who said he wished GPs would realise their capabiltiies & not cause patients distress by just choosing the cheapest drug for a condition. That was a differen GP, but things obviously haven’t changed,

[KittyJ]

did your doctors know you’re on mtx as some antibiotics shouldn’t be taken with it? I’d give them a call to check if not.

[Mymymy in reply to KittyJ]

Hi KittJ, thanks for your reply. I have informed the dermatologist about the medications I am taking. The pharmacist also told me there is no interaction between Cefadroxil and humira/mtx. I am just hesitant about taking antibiotics for prevention. But I did start taking it..afraid of small chance of getting infection. I will take probiotics to counter the gut impact today.

[medway-lady]

I've never had one but my husband did and he said when he did have antibiotics although he doesn't have RA.

[Mymymy in reply to medway-lady]

Hi medway-lady, thanks for your reply. Helpful to know others were prescribed antibiotics for prevention. Hope this Cefadroxil will not decrease my resistance to bacteria in the future.

[wilbertjellyfish]

I have had skin biopsies there times this year, four biopsies, no antibiotics.

You are supposed to not take mtx on antibiotics but that’s to allow your body to fight infection so it’s likely ok to stay on it as yours are to prevent an issue arising.

[Mymymy in reply to wilbertjellyfish]

Hi Wilbertjellyfish, thanks for sharing your experience and advice. My dermatologist must be overly cautious. Since I started my antibiotics, I now have to complete the 7 days med☺

[wilbertjellyfish in reply to Mymymy]

Yes. You will.I was only advised to not stitch up the hole myself 🙈😂 I was tempted.

[Mymymy in reply to wilbertjellyfish]

😆