Have you had problems with other infections while... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

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Have you had problems with other infections while taking prednisone and/or methotrexate?

Joblow profile image
7 Replies

I’m on my 3rd course of antibiotics for chest/sinus infection and worried my vacationing immune system is responsible.

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Joblow profile image
Joblow
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7 Replies

Hi joblow, I am on mycophenolate and pred. Like methotrexate it suppresses immune centre. I have had sinus problems sinus I had flu in November 2017. Had a couple of doses of and, sprays etc. Using saline spray for my nose now. Works really well. I am in a position where I can stop the mycophenolate for a week or so if I get a stubborn infection but I presume this isn't possible with methotrexate??🌻

Your name messed with my brain so I apologise in advance if I slip up 😂😂😂

Christophene47 profile image
Christophene47

It would be logical that you are more vulnerable to infections while on anti-inflammatories. With all the excessive prescriptions for antibiotics, a 3rd course for what sounds an upper respiratory infection, sounds excessive. I would bring that up with your doctor. It is commonly known that the more antibiotics "a society takes," as well as the indvidual, the less effective they become.

I can only tell you that back when I was on Prednisone for the first 2 months, I caught what ordinarily would be a bad head cold, and it lasted over a month. It took a long time to shake it off, but I did not take antibiotics. Antibiotics are for bacterial infection generally, and will not treat a virus. What methods did your doctor do to be sure you had a bacterial infection? Check with him on that...I would be concerned. Certainly, the Preds and Methotrex would weaken your body's ability to naturally fight the infection, and that could be what your Dr. was thinking giving you the 3 courses antibiotics , but not sure what his thinking is; open up that discussion with him. Good luck...

Cally55 profile image
Cally55

I've been taking another DMARD, azathioprine, with pred since end of last October. I've had a long cold over Christmas and now am recovering from a flu that turned into bronchitis has lasted 6 weeks and required two lots of antibiotics. These are the first colds or flu I've had in 3 years on pred! I like to attribute it to the DMARD but it may be coincidence.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

Pred sometimes causes people to succumb to infections more easily and methotrexate (mtx) adds to the suppression of the immune system and almost always leads to increased infections. Usually you are told to stop the mtx if you are put on antibiotics until the infection is gone, usually one or two weeks of doses, and if you have a persistent infection it also makes a lot of sense to take a break from the DMARD. That allows your immune system to work on the infection better.

I wish I knew what makes GPs think that repeating using the abx that didn't work in the first place isn't a good idea...

Salanddee profile image
Salanddee

Thank you for mentioning your sinus infection. During 6 years of PMR I have experienced many trying conditions and sinusitis is the latest. I have had 2 courses of an antibiotic recently which has definitely made an improvement as I no longer blow out hard chunks of mucus and blood - sorry. My doctor is expecting it all to go away within the next month. I am supposed to continue using a prescribed steroid spray but am changing to a saline solution which seems to be better for me. I am on a variable dose of prednisolone at present 3.5 mgs.

I am so grateful for these posts and am continuously learning from you all.

Fifelassieo profile image
Fifelassieo

I too have a sinus infection.

Seashells60 profile image
Seashells60

I have three immune system disorders. I really don't like taking the prednisone for my latest situation, which is PMR. I am now in the process of reducing the mg's every two weeks, down to 5 mg. It does help

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