Bronchial Pneumonia, while tapering on prednisone and Actemra.

[pmac22]

so my croup turned into Bronchial Pneumonia, I thought I was feeling better and then bam! I missed one week of Actemra because of the croup. I did take my injection this past Friday and then yesterday found out I had pneumonia. My primary care is aware of the Actemra and also the fact that my rheumatologist did not want me to increase my prednisone while having croup saying it wouldn’t really help. Primary care told me yesterday if I want to try and stay out of the hospital then I need to increase prednisone immediately along with a Zpac and booster shot of antibiotic in her office (wow that shot hurt). She told me not to worry about the rheumatologist she would contact him. So she increased my prednisone to 40mg for 3 days, then 20mg for 3 days then 10mg for three days then back to my current taper of 4 mg. Does anyone know how this might effect my taper?

has anyone else had bronchial pneumonia while on steroids and Actemra? I really worry about these secondary infections while on Actemra. Once again I’m just frustrated with this whole GCA trip and wondering if it will ever end. However I am grateful for this group and their information, kindness and compassion.

Peggy

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It shouldn't affect your taper at all - you can up the pred dose for up to 10-14 days without having to taper down, the course is a taper anyway. It is just the same as her using it in a person not on pred - just your baseline i 4mg not zero. It is pretty well normal practice now for chest problems to give steroids as a short sharp course.

Had my daughter gone to the GP and got steroids when she had Covid last week she might not be needing another 2 weeks off work! At least she's getting the steroids now.

[shazstep]

I also had Pneumonia 3 weeks ago and was hospitalised and put on oxygen for 2 weeks. Due to the antibiotics they put me on they stopped Adctemra and Luflemenide. I still have not resumed having them. I am starting to think I don't need them. I have been on steroids non stop since August 2017 with many ups and downs. About 6 or 7 weeks ago I broke 3 ribs while pulling out some weeds in sandy soil. This caused partial collapsed lung followed by Pneumonia. While in hospital I broke another getting out of bed.

I can't wait for this journey to be over.

[Miacaro45]

My son is on Humira, a biologic ( not the same as Actemra, a biologic). He developed Pneumonia and anemia. His doctor said that this can happen with biologics. Any time a person takes a pill, an injection, etc. you always run the risk of major side effects.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Miacaro45]

It can happen with non-biologic immunosuppressants too.

[Cofab2]

Hi, I am also in the US. I don’t post much, but read all of them. Diagnosed in May, 2015. PC Dr researched and my symptoms all pointed to PMR. Started on 20 mg Pred and 5 hrs after injection and first pill, I was like the everready bunny. Shortly went to rheumy, and, boy, in the beginning it was like many posts I’ve read here, “you’ve got to get off these ASAP”. Of course, i had been on pred for some months, so blood showed nothing. It took some work from me, and she had 2 young Dr trainees, who advised “we treat the patient, NOT the blood readings. She changed for the best. I am down to 5, when have tried to reduce, I have a flare. So here I stay. I have had several fractures, some healed on their own, but now a compression fracture in lumbar, in process of tests to see how it be repaired, the pain is almost unbearable, had a blood clot in May, so back was put on hold until off blood thinner. Hopefully some repair can help. I hadn’t heard of the Actemra and luflemenide, so can’t give you any comments on it. I hope the very best for you. This unwanted PMR changed my healthy active life, hope to get some relief back and return to my walking, and maybe some of my line dancing. Good luck to you