Kickas.org Forums Treatments, Drugs and Alternatives Anti TNF and other biological medications biologics and antibiotics

Currently on methotrexate, but have spent most of this winter on antibiotics for a stubborn sinus infection. Half of the time, I've had to stop the mtx because of interactions.

Question--I know the biologics suppress the immune system and make you more susceptible to infection....do you need to stop them while on any antibiotics? Or just stop them if it's a more severe or persistent infection? Since Remicade is every 6 weeks, how would you 'stop' this one?

I've gotten relief with mtx, but this stopping and starting again has made me lose ground, disease-wise. Back to rheumy next week, so I thought I'd ask some of my questions here, to get a feel for possible next steps. (i.e.--raise the mtx dose or try for biologics).

Maybe after the respiratory season is over, it might get better? But that's 3 more months around here.

Hey Rumble,

Any medication that suppresses the immune system has the potential to make it more difficult for your body to fight and win/recover from an infection.

Remicade and antibiotics are not a problem together per say, but if you take Remicade and develop an infection, the next infusion will be delayed until the infection has completely cleared and you're given the green light.

The anti-TNFa class of medications are 'usually' not offered to people with a history of recurrent infections. It's sensible to discuss these considerations/risks with your doctor.

I developed a tooth infection one time from a hairline fracture that was treated with antibiotics and resolved before my next infusion appt., so I was able to keep on track. Had it happened closer to my appt, I would've re-scheduled and put the infusion off a few weeks.

Hope this helps,
mig

Thanks Mig.

Initially, I was scared of mtx and wanted to skip over it and go right to a biologic. Now, in the interest of finances, etc, I'd rather put off using the big guns till I absolutely have to. So staying on the mtx as long as it works seems best. I'm having no problem tolerating it, but this infection is trying my patience. Also, even though it's only been since October, I can see I lose ground while off it. Going to have a long talk with rheumy next week.

Hopefully, spring will come soon. Just not as soon as I'd like. We have another major winter storm coming on Thurs....potentially an inch of ice followed by 8-12+ inches of snow. Down here in Oklahoma, that just sucks. Actually, it would suck anywhere...I hate winter. Your snowman looks peaceful, though.

Good luck at the rhemy I'm glad the mtx is working for you it didn't for me and the side effects were bad. but it is a lot cheaper than humira. i'm tired of the snow and ice. thought i had a cushy job and it is until it snows then someone got to clear the side walks at 8 state building and only 3 of us on the maint crew and with the state budget not looking very good at getting any new hires. back sure hurt after monday shoveling. stay warm

Sooner...I can't think of much worse than having a bad back from AS and having to shovel snow. For your sake (and all KA Okies), I hope the precip stays liquid.

Can't complain much about the rheumy...he gave me a big shot of depo medrol and a lot of the pain has eased. Got a big knot at the injection site, though. Hope to get some relief going with the mtx when I start it back next week.