RA Meds and (+) tuburculin Test

Arthritis Foundation Forum

Home

Welcome Guest ( Login | Register )

Rate Topic

Display Mode

Topic Options

Author

Message

Mary Maritch

Posted Thursday, March 12, 2009 5:45 PM

Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 1:10 PM
Posts: 7, Visits: 27

I was recently diagnosed with RA...I started Placquenil, Relafen and Prednisone about 4 wks ago. However, my PPD test has been positive for many years and I understand there is a problem starting the more aggresive drugs Remicade, Enbrel, etc. Has anyone been in this position? I'm scared of all these meds......any info will be appreciated. Thanks

Post #4189006

Top

Grandpavan

Posted Thursday, March 12, 2009 9:30 PM

Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Today @ 4:59 PM
Posts: 4,499, Visits: 3,618

Unfortunately there is not a lot of action on this board except on the RA forum. I suggest you repost your item there where there is a much greater chance of it being answered. I have RA but I can't answer your specific question but others on the RA board have experience with that. There are many good RA medications and I hope you can find one that works well for you. God bless.

Age 82, diagnosed RA 12/2001, married since 1952, 4 sons no daughters, 4 grandsons 1 granddaughter. Doing well on Methotrexate and Remicade.

Post #4189024

Top

TexasDeb

Posted Friday, July 31, 2009 5:39 PM

Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Monday, November 09, 2009 3:44 PM
Posts: 81, Visits: 36

Hi Mary,

If you have a positive PPD but no ACTIVE disease (as indicated on a chest x-ray), most doctors will approve your being on a biologic med provided you are taking the preventative TB medication (Isoniazid, or INH for short) along with it. Patients have to be monitored closely with labwork while taking the drug, and it must be taken for about 9 months. But most doctors will allow you to go on the biologic about a month or two into the INH treatment, some will even let you go on them sooner.

Post #4221890

Top

« Prev Topic | Next Topic »

All times are GMT -5:00, Time now is 8:32pm

Execution: 1.030. 47 queries. Compression Disabled.