Some up-to-date information about the Covid vaccine for patients with autoimmune diseases

[PMRpro]

LupusUK have consulted with experts to provide information regarding the Covid vaccine and patients with autoimmine disorders. Obviously their focus is on lupus but patients with lupus often come under several headings including "undifferentiated connective tissue disease" - many similarities to PMR.

This is a link to the main article on the LupusUK website

lupusuk.org.uk/covid19-vacc...

and there are further links to relevant information in the article.

When you use these links to find the information it will always be up-to-date - unlike paper issues.

[Bcol]

Thank you

[Theziggy]

I have had quite severe reactions to Septrin (no longer on the market - an early antibiotic) and also to azathioprine and sulfasalazine and methotrexate, so how safe am I to take the vaccin???

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Theziggy]

I think that something you'll need to discuss with your doctor as and when you are invited to have one.

[Theziggy in reply to DorsetLady]

GPs seem to "not clued in" when it comes to this vaccine, Wales is closing down again today - we, in Northern Ireland are opening up from today!

An all UK strategy would be much smarter!!!!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Theziggy]

Would be very useful....although still not necessarily correct 😳 😂🤣😂

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Theziggy]

That could have been said about a lot of things - luckily not everyone has followed London's lead ...

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Theziggy]

I don't know - that is something to speak to medics about. It will depends on whether they were ALLERGIC responses or merely severe intolerances. Which aren't the same thing at all.

What happened with the various drugs? Allergic responses are hives, itching, swelling of the lips, mouth and nose, tight chest, difficulty breathing and so on. Diarrhoea, nausea and other GI effects aren't allergic reactions, they are intolerances' They may be severe and very unpleasant but they are rarely life-threatening. Once someone has had one allergic reaction they are at increased risk of having another that is worse and they can escalate with continuing exposure.

"Adverse effects can be common and expected, especially with certain drugs.

For example, people may experience nausea when taking an opioid or diarrhea from an antibiotic. However, it is important to know that these adverse effects are not allergies.

Allergy signs and symptoms that should prompt patients to contact their

health care provider immediately are

■ Hives or red, itchy patches

■ Swollen, red, itchy rash

Allergy signs and symptoms that

should prompt patients to seek emergency care immediately are

■ Any difficulty breathing

■ Swelling in the face, tongue, lips, and/or throat, or difficulty swallowing"

[Theziggy in reply to PMRpro]

Mine was difficulty breathing - which is very disconcerting

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Theziggy]

To ALL of the drugs?

[Theziggy in reply to PMRpro]

No only to the Azathioprine

[123-go]

Thank you. Very useful to have something to refer to.

[yogabonnie]

thank you for this! Even though I am not in UK it holds some interesting information.