esr/crp levels

[dillydally1]

do antibiotics change these levels

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

dillydally, unlikely, but whatever infection is causing the need for the antibiotics could result in an increase in the markers.

[dillydally1 in reply to Celtic]

many thanks x

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It will depend why they were raised in the first place. They are both non-specific tests and a whole range of things will raise them. For example, if they are up because of a bacterial chest infection - and that can raise CRP to as much as 60 or more - then taking abx will send them back down again. If they are raised because of PMR or GCA, abx won't make any difference and they will stay the same.

[dillydally1 in reply to PMRpro]

thank you x

[SusanneM]

My ESR/CRP levels were raised due to severe chest infection. My rheumy told me to wait two weeks after recovering to have my next blood test to get a more accurate reading of my GCA levels. They were still high, but that was due to a flare caused my the chest infection.

[dillydally1 in reply to SusanneM]

thank you x