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TNF-inhibitors and minor colds/viruses

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Posted 4/26/2006 11:31 AM (GMT 0)
How many of you on the TNF-inhibitors have found that you get a lot more little colds and viruses.  Since I've been taking them for 4 months now, I just realized that every month when I go in to see my rheumy, he asks me if I've been sick with a cold/virus.  And every single month, I've had some minor cold.  I know that these drugs increase the risks of upper respiratory infections; my question is that if you do get one a month or so, is that a reason to stop taking the drug?

Elcamino

Posted 4/26/2006 7:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hey elcamino... I don't get colds or viruses... but I do get urinary tract infections like they are on sale... I'm averaging one every 2 months... am actually going to a Urologist soon to find out if it is Enbrel related or just my bods... :( Sorry you are having a rough time... Duck
Posted 4/26/2006 10:26 PM (GMT 0)
Ducky, you're killng me here :-) Didn't we have a rule about when Craig is lurking?

I've found that I have slight ups and downs with RA symptoms, and often wonder if it the affect of a cold or flu. I have not found an increase in C/F symptoms since being on Enbrel and MTX for 1.5 years, and it feels like the result of all the drugs I'm on.
I guess part of the issue is that flu symptoms are very similar to mild RA symptoms, for me at least.

feeling pretty good lately ... Craig
Posted 4/26/2006 10:45 PM (GMT 0)
Got to keep you on your toes Craig! :)
Posted 4/27/2006 4:54 AM (GMT 0)
I have been on Imuran & Remicade over 3yrs now and it has worked the opposite on me. Less sinus and upper resp. infections. I have not had an ear infection either since being on these 2 drugs.

Susie
Posted 4/27/2006 11:32 AM (GMT 0)

I guess everyone is different.  Ducky, if I would have guessed I'd have a problem with something while on the TNF-inhibitors, I'd have said it would be UTIs as well.  In fact, my rheumy said the same thing, as I have a long childhood history of chronic UTIs (but it hasn't been a problem since my first pregnancy).  I never really had a problem with lots of little colds and viruses, though.  NOrmally I averaged one a year.  But I've had at least 4, maybe 5, since I've started the drugs in this class. 

I hope the enbrel isn't the reason for your UTIs, since the enbrel seems to work for you.

Craig, you really must be careful on a board with mostly female posters...

Susie,  a lot of people have told me that.  Since they started these drugs, they have been healthier than before?

Elcamino

Posted 4/27/2006 12:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hey elcamino - when I talked to my Primary care doc about my UTIs she looked Enbrel up in her little book of meds and she said, "Well, with the Enbrel there is a chance of Chronic and Recurring infections... guess UTIs are your infections that you're gonna get a lot of..."  WTF?  Uh, thanks doc.   eyes So I asked to be referred out to a specialist.  She did say that she would normally treat patients that have chronic UTIs with a long term antibiotic, but she isn't sure if that is the best course of action since I am on Enbrel.  So Urologist here I come!  Just another doc to add to my list! skull

 

tongue  Craig how you hanging in there?  You sound just like my husband!  I talk to him about this "girlie" stuff and he says... "I don't want to know about the business end of the playpen!"  tongue hee hee hee... He's so silly!  yeah

 

Hope all is well... Duck

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