Covid, Tapering and Actemra

[Lenore58]

Hi,

I have a mild case of Covid (my 3rd bout.) I had already tapered down to 2 mg. pred. and had been feeling quite well. (I am also on Actemra, which seems to be working well, in my case.)

Should I stop the Actemra while I am sick? And just hold steady with the 2 mg. prednisone?

Thanks for this amazing resource. xx

[Gangley]

Hello Lenore 58. When I was on Actemra my Dr. always took me off it when I had any infection. I believe the literature provided also says that. I would check with your Dr.

[Lenore58 in reply to Gangley]

Yes, that does seem to be the consensus in what I’ve read online; which is why I’ve opted to stop Actemra for now. My doctor is not as quick a response as I find on this website! Thank you for responding!

[Gangley in reply to Lenore58]

You're welcome and hope your Covid clears soon.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I think you would/should be told to stop Actemra if unwell. My rheumy department does. They say to wait until you are recovered to restart,

[Lenore58 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks, Pro. I reached out to my rheumy, but it usually takes a couple days to hear back. I expect she will say to hold off until I’m better as well.

[Sharitone]

I have had to stop Actemra twice for Covid, and also for pneumonia. I was told that I should wait not only for the test to be negative, but also any cough, etc to have cleared up properly as well.

[Lenore58 in reply to Sharitone]

Thank you!

[Musiclady18]

My recollection, I am now on Methotrexate and no longer on Prednisone, is to stop taking the med until you are over the infection. Good luck !

[Lenore58 in reply to Musiclady18]

Thank you!