How to avoid infections on biologics
How to avoid infections on biologics
Considering starting Simponi aria IVs in Dr.s office as other meds cause too many side effects. My concern after reading the material given to me on this biologic is a high risk of infection. I am 39 and still have 4 school age children who bring home illness throughout the year as well as my husbands two adult children are both expecting babies this fall. How much of a risk are you to infection really? And how do you avoid it with so many little germ magnets around?? The… read more
If one looks at the FDA data from the 24 week clinical trial of Simponi, 27% of patients on Simponi got an infection, but 24% of patients on the placebo also did...so, yes there is a small increased risk. Sinus mostly.
Regarding serious infections, 0.9% of patients on Simponi did get one vs zero on placebo. So less than 1 person in 100.
Wash hands with hot water often...use the anti-bacterial gel on hands, consider wearing a surgical mask when sick children are visiting. Do not touch your eyes or inside of your nose without washing hands well first.
You gotta still live ur life.
Best wishes.
PS. People have died from stomach bleeding from taking baby aspirin and liver failure from taking Tylenol...just as a perspective. If only one person died in a drug trial, even if its not proven it was from the Simponi, the FDA makes the mfg report that.
Nothing in life is risk free. Dying from a car accident going to church every Sunday much greater chance than taking any RA med for life. But we still drive 13,000 miles a year on average. Just sayin....cant let fear control living our best life possible. Best wishes.
I've been doing Simponi infusions for over 4 years. I's the only biologic that has really helped me. I have severe RA and wouldn't be able to walk without it. I know the side effects but I also know "rheumatoid arthritis" and it's effects on my body. When dealing with this disease you must try to improve the quality of your life, there is no cure only management, Simponi has helped me. I hope it helps you too. I always wash my hands, try to stay clear of sick people and if I get sick, I seek medical attention as soon as I can, always telling the doctor, I do Simponi infusions. You can't stop living but you have to be careful of possible dangers. Get your flu shot. Wishing you the best.
I am on simponi aria infusions. I haven’t experienced any infections. Get a flu shot. To Ramon when simponi starts to show signs of not working ( happened to me after a few yrs on simponi) my rhuematologist added arava. I feel so good again.
Gina, I've been on monthly Simponi injections (DYI) and it continues to work for me. My previous rheumy started me on Humira. With no reduction of the RA pain after 2-3 weeks he switched me to Simponi and I noticed the difference immediately. I hate to think about what to do when this medication no longer works. BTW, I have not suffered any infections while on Simponi. Just got my flu shot about two weeks ago. In mid-July I phased out Prednisone, per my new rheumy's recommendation and noticed worsening lower leg inflammation and arm pain between my right wrist and elbow. My internal medicine specialist prescribed a diuretic about ten days ago and it has helped with the leg inflammation. I will bring up my arm pain with my rheumy next month. Hope this helps.
Just started to take Simponi and I am wondering if it causes hair loss. Still on methotrexate and my hair has really thinned. Can't afford to lose anymore. Thank you for your insight.🤗
