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Question for those on Humira/imuran etc

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/16/2016 5:02 PM (GMT 0)
Anyone have experience with bad colds etc? I'm on day 7 of a nasty cold. Dr did a flu test and that was negative, strep test negative too. I'm not sure what it is. Just body aches, cough, weakness, runny nose, muscle fatigue. Debating if I should go back to the dr. Just wanted to see if anyone deals with this that takes these drugs too.
Posted 2/16/2016 5:05 PM (GMT 0)
I ended up with pneumonia while on Remicade. I was warned by my doctor that my Remicade reduced my resistance. I think Humira is the same.
Posted 2/16/2016 5:40 PM (GMT 0)
Immunomodulators slightly weaken your immune system. So, colds while on immunomodulators/biologics are a little longer and a little more severe. If a typical cold lasts you a week, then it might last you a week and then a few extra days while on immunomodulators. If you normally have 2 real bad days during a cold, then you might have an extra real bad day on immunomodulators. If you used to get one cold a year, on immunomodulators you might get two.

Should you see a doctor? Most colds you can fight off on your own while on immunomodulators. But your are your own best judge of how bad you feel and what constitutes a doctor's visit. You are more prone to infections on immunomodulators, so, be cautious there. As cold symptoms can become bronchitis/pneumonia and those require prompt treatment. If things appear to be continually worsening then seeing a doctor is a no-brainer.
Posted 2/16/2016 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys. Is there anything I can do or is it the luck of the draw?
Posted 2/16/2016 5:50 PM (GMT 0)
Generally it's just a cold or flu. Increased risk doesn't constitute certainty of it becoming anything else.
Posted 2/16/2016 6:19 PM (GMT 0)
I got a pneumonia when I was on remicade and mtx. I had a cold that wasn't going away. Finally I went to the doctor and they did a swab for virus. It came back negative. It was at the moment that I realized whatever I had was bacterial and I knew I had to go to the ER. I was getting worse... If you're feeling okay, you're probably fine. If you REALLY feel bad or have weakness in your lungs, I would get checked out for sure.
Posted 2/16/2016 6:43 PM (GMT 0)
I'm breathing just fine, so that makes me think I don't have pneumonia. But you never know. I am thinking I wanna go back just Incase. I had to go back to work so I'm hoping it doesn't throw me over the edge
Posted 2/17/2016 12:17 AM (GMT 0)
I was told by my GI Dr. to get the pneumonia vaccine before starting Humira, and to get it every year. He said it would help with reducing the chances of cold turning into something worse since the Humira or whatever Biologic you are on, suppress your immune system.

Just what my Dr. said, so I did have the vaccine and plan on getting it every year. I start Humira tomorrow afternoon. A bit nervous.
Posted 2/17/2016 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
Imuran gave me bad migraines, and I found it made me more prone to getting head colds. But I didn't get pneumonia or strep throat, thank God.

I think if you get worse than you are now, then that would be the time that you should see the doctor. Is the cold affecting your UC at all?

Hope you get better, Chrissy
Posted 2/17/2016 1:43 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys. Yeah I haven't gotten a flu shot or pneumonia vaccine. Maybe I should. I think it is late in the year for it now?

Sibby- uc was ok but for a couple days now I have diarrhea. It may be stress but not sure :/
Posted 2/17/2016 2:55 AM (GMT 0)
I don't have pneumonia! So happy. It's a virus she thinks it will
Be gone within a week. If not I'm going back to dr then
Posted 2/17/2016 4:20 AM (GMT 0)
That's great :) I hope you feel better quickly. I just got over a pretty bad cold too - seems to be going around. I am not on any meds so I didn't worry too much but having been through the pneumonia, I am probably a little over cautious.
Posted 2/17/2016 10:45 AM (GMT 0)
Just my opinion, but when you are feeling better, you may want to talk with your doctor about getting the flu and pneumonia vaccine each year and it is not too late in the year. Feel Better soon!!!
Posted 2/17/2016 12:00 PM (GMT 0)
good idea to get the yearly flu shot and pneumonia shot. i find that i have gotten alot more head colds and they take a bit longer to go away. since ive been on Remicade and Imuran i have only been on antibiotics once and it was for a sinus infection. now when i start seeing symptoms i start doing sinus rinses 3 times a day and eventually the cold goes away on its own.
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