Biologic caused infections

Posted by apopson @apopson, Dec 12, 2023

Recently hospitalized 3 times. Each time for a week. Infection in hand that extended to elbows.
A week later infection in knee then left rib area that is very painful. Infection control physician said may need to remove the fluid from this area. All of these infection areas are on left side. Dr said from biologic
Has been on Vancomycin for almost a month.
Has anyone experienced this from the biologic
depressing there immune system. He stopped it 6 weeks ago.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Autoimmune Diseases Support Group.

Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Dec 12, 2023

@apopson
Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!
Very worrisome to hear about your repeat infections. Are the infections caused by the same bacteria?
I don’t have any experience myself with biologics but I’m sure there are many members here that do.
Since biologics treatment affects your immune response to your autoimmune disease it would also make you susceptible to infections.
I have been treated with immunosuppressants - Imuran-for several months but stopped it because of many bacterial infections.
May I ask what disease you are being treated for?

apopson | @apopson | Dec 12, 2023

Thank you for responding.Psoriasis and Psoriasis arthritis.

apopson | @apopson | Dec 12, 2023

In reply to @astaingegerdm "@apopson Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Very worrisome to hear about your repeat infections. Are the..." + (show)

Yes same

apopson | @apopson | Dec 12, 2023

What antibiotic were you treated with for your infection and did it take care of it pretty quick?

Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Dec 12, 2023

@apopson
I had different types of infections- UTIs, bronchitis, sinusitis etc
Treated with appropriate antibiotics each time.

apopson | @apopson | Dec 12, 2023

Thank you!

pb50 | @pb50 | Dec 12, 2023

In reply to @apopson "Yes same" + (show)

Hi. I have RA and am on biologics - my third variety.

May I ask which biologic you are on? And how long you w been on it?

apopson | @apopson | Dec 13, 2023

In reply to @pb50 "Hi. I have RA and am on biologics - my third variety. May I ask which..." + (show)

Hi . Taltz for a few months after Humira (after 5 years) stopped working.

GDCM | @gdcm | Dec 13, 2023

I have PsA and have been on many Biologics. While on Humira, was hospitalized for Pneumonia three times in the space of 10 months. (And subsequently taken off Humira.) I have not had joint infections, but on all TNF blockers had episodes of Bronchitis or Sinus infection.). After I stopped Humira, started trying other non-TNF Blocker medications (Otezla, etc) Just stopped Orencia infusions after 2 years because of skin infections, and will now take a break from medications for a while (which coincides with an upcoming surgery.). I was told as PsA patients age (I am 68) our immune systems calm down…so perhaps I won’t need to use biologics. (I am watchful for another joint or Uveitis flare…) Best wishes!