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Infections and starting Actemra
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Apr 2 7:10pm | Replies (6)Comment receiving replies
The fungal skin infection is not a major concern. It can be cultured for
exact identification which can suggest the best topicals for management.
Most important is screening for TB and hepatitis before starting.
I asked my PCP for a chest X-ray to screen for lung infections as I am
working outside with soil frequently. Prednisone can also interfere with
our immunity against fungus. Have you discussed Actemra and your concerns
with both doctors?
Replies to "The fungal skin infection is not a major concern. It can be cultured for exact identification..."
Before I started taking prednisone and Actemra, I did volunteer work to remove invasive plants like kudzu from greenways in my area. After reading the warnings about possible fungal infections if you're taking those drugs, I stopped doing that work. The greenways are in flood plains, and flood frequently. There are some nasty things in flood water. It doesn't seem like it's worth the risk to work in that environment.
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Diverticulitis too. Any diverticulitis or history of diverticulitis probably should exclude people from receiving Actemra. Better to be safe than sorry.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5127961/
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My rheumatologist screened me for everything and then only started me on an injection every two weeks to "play it safe." After six years, Actemra seems to be safe for me and now I do monthly infusions of Actemra.
Nothing unusual has ever happened to me. I have discontinued prednisone. If anything, all my prednisone side effects have gradually improved. I have also stopped several other medications that I took to treat prednisone side effects.
I would guess that I have fewer infections on Actemra than I did on prednisone. At least I don't have flares anymore when I have an infection. Even my fungal toenails are improving.