Actemra, Methotrexate, and the immune system

[grandemr]

Getting actemra infusions about every six weeks along with methotrexate (2X/week). Both are immunosuppresive. Any idea if this places me at more of a risk for things like the coronavirus? My dr. isn't convincing one way or the other. Any feedback appreciated.

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Hi Grandemr

I’m on Prednisolone & Methotrexate, l consider myself more at risk because we are constantly told that it is an immunosuppressant.

Hand Washing & Avoiding Sick People, really is our best defence.

Take Care

MrsN 🌷

[SnazzyD]

Yes it does as for any infectious disease including the usual flu’s and your own flora. What makes me sigh with Corona is that it is making people think about measures to avoid spread, something they should do every winter (if they can’t cope with all year) because all the circulating bugs are potentially very bad for vulnerable people. Not just because it’s unusual.

Saying that, even on high dose Pred and my white cell count dropping every 3 weeks (normal for me) I was fine, even though those around me from 17 to 80+ became very poorly with influenza and I had to nurse them all. I had one evening with violent shaking and muscle aches that lasted until morning and that was it; I was writing my epitaph while it lasted. Trouble you never know do you, and neither do the docs.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Methotrexate 2x a week as well as Actemra? Your doctors do seem to have a very strange approach to PMR!

[grandemr in reply to PMRpro]

And yet it's worked like a charm!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to grandemr]

I'm sure it has - but it is a bit like using a Kalashnikov to crack a nut!

[grandemr]

Never used prednisone. Went straight to methotrexate and plaquenil. Actemra started a few months later. Worked like a charm, but im worried about my immune system now.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to grandemr]

I assume that mtx and plaquenil did not a lot? Or did they?

[grandemr]

Cardiologist ruled out prednisone. Im ok with the overkill. I was in bad shape.

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Who's she.. The cats mother? Rude.

[grandemr]

Things are fine with me. Things arent too bad here but its hard to say what's coming. A bit quieter than usual.