Protocol for infection while on biologic?

[nogutsnoglory]

What is the protocol for having an infection while being on a biologic? Do they just delay the next dose till it heals? How long are you taken off?

 

[kiny]

It depends on the infection, if you get TB or any other mycobacterial infection you will be taken off, but most infections don't form a significant threat to warrant stopping a biologic.

As far as skipping a dose, that's usually avoided if it's not needed because your body will start to produce antibodies and memory B cells which can cause an adverse reaction.

I only went on biologics (infliximab) long ago for a few months, but I can never go on them again because I developed antibodies, my body will reject it.

 

[sickinlk]

in my experience the delayed the infusion or treatment until I was better or had been seen by a doctor.
ju

 

[nogutsnoglory]

I have an upper respiratory infection but I am afraid to stop the medication. I haven't discussed this yet with my GI.

 

[sickinlk]

what biological are you on and when are you due your next dose.
ju

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Cimzia I'm taking the next dose in over a week.

 

[Lisa]

If your next dose isn't for over a week, are you on anything for respiratory infection? You should be good to go with that - I had my remicade shortly after having strep (2 times) a couple years ago - even had it while dealing with minor colds.....I would think as long as you have been on a treatment regimen for whatever infection it is, and don't have a fever with it, you should be ok.....

The important thing is to get the respiratory infection treated asap....

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Well it's a virus so I'm not taking any antibiotics for it but should probably double check that it hasn't also gotten an added bacterial component.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

What about the protocol for a non-infection like a dental or plastic surgery? Cimzia is monthly and stays in the system for a while. Would I just get the surgery right before the end of the month and delay the dose or would they make me stop it and restart?

 

[sickinlk]

I don't think stopping it would be a good idea. the complications of having a flare would be worse. I think that being on a biological increases your chances of developing an infection and slows your healing time. but if the docs performing the surgery are aware of it they'll probably give you antibiotics as a precaution.
ju

 

[Jennifer]

Colds and infections need to be reported before your next dose. If you aren't better the day before or the day of then you'll need to reschedule.

As for surgery, I couldn't start Remicade until 4 weeks after my surgery. Surgery and dental treatment (like extractions and other things that may require antibiotics) will also need to be cleared before your next dose and you will need a note from the doctor who performed the surgery to write a letter stating that you're healing nicely and that its ok to start your medication again.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

It sounds like its very individual and doctors address this on a case by case basis.