flu vaccine and RA medication

[Mybirthday1975]

morning all!

As the flu vaccine is approaching just wanted to ask do i have to stop my metratrexate and Biologics before I have it?

Thank you 😊

[bpeal1]

A lot of people are advised to stop methotrexate before/after the flu vaccination (not so much biologics). However, as with most things to do with RA there is no ‘one size fits all’ advice. If stopping methotrexate will make it likely that you will flare the advice is usually to stay on it as flaring will have a bigger consequence to the effectiveness of the vaccine than the methotrexate will. I’d advise contacting your rheumatology team and asking their advice.

[Mybirthday1975 in reply to bpeal1]

Thank you for replying much appreciated 👍

[L8kside in reply to bpeal1]

Because you check with your doc to be sure

[helenlw7]

My rheumatologist said if your RA is week controlled the you could stop the MTX

[BoneyC]

I have my Covid & Flu jabs booked for 5th October. I have decided I will be missing my MTX injection on 6th October and on 13th October as it coincides with surgery listed on 14th October.

[Poppy-21 in reply to BoneyC]

I decided to leave my flu jab until after surgery, it might be worth double checking as some hospitals like a 4 wk gab between

[BoneyC in reply to Poppy-21]

I'll ring them to ask. When is your surgery date?

[Poppy-21 in reply to BoneyC]

I had my elbow replacement 3 wks ago, good luck with yours 🤞🏻

[BoneyC in reply to Poppy-21]

Thanks. How is your new elbow, less painful hopefully?

[Poppy-21 in reply to BoneyC]

On the mend now, each day is a little better, I still have restricted arm movement so lots of physio.

[BoneyC in reply to Poppy-21]

I phoned the Pre-assessment Clinic - 10 days is what they prefer between jabs and surgery. Glad your elbow is progressing, I'm expecting to need lots of physio as it's also affecting my left shoulder which is also totally destroyed by RA/OA and listed for replacement. I hope it allows me to drive again and look after myself independently.

[Poppy-21 in reply to BoneyC]

Aww bless you, I found ice packs extremely helpful the first wk.

[Pepperpot22]

Watching with interest cos my flu vaccine booked. I missed one week of Methotrexate last year but wasn’t on Biologics at the time.

[MadBunny]

I've never stopped either of mine for the flu jabs , only for the covid jabs.

[Runrig01]

here’s a link to the advice for patients on MTX. You should stop for 2 weeks if stable, but best checking with your rheumatologist. If you use the search button you’ll see this has been asked a lot.

rheumatology.org.uk/news/de....