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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Do people find that it takes longer to recover from a cold, once you add Xeljanz or a Biologic to your Methotrexate?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Toronto, ON

I am experiencing my first cold since I started taking Xeljanz. Does it take longer to recover and do people become sicker?
Welcoming any information and advice on the matter.
Thanks.

March 5, 2020
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Answer Summary

Members shared their experiences with recovering from colds while taking Xeljanz or other biologics, with most agreeing that recovery takes... Read more

Members shared their experiences with recovering from colds while taking Xeljanz or other biologics, with most agreeing that recovery takes significantly longer, sometimes lasting several weeks to over a month. Several members described practical strategies that helped them manage illness, including stopping their biologic temporarily until symptoms resolve (as advised by their doctors), taking supplements like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, zinc, and elderberry extract at the first sign of sickness, and using products like Airborne or Mucinex to support the immune system. A recurring theme was the importance of consulting with a rheumatologist or family doctor when sick, especially if a fever is present, since biologics suppress the immune system and can make people more susceptible to infections like bronchitis, sinusitis, and lung problems.

A myRAteam Member

I was always told by my RA Doctor to stop taking medication for RA when your sick that’s a rule of thumb. After your better you begin again. Our immune systems are compromised to begin with and taking biologics that makes even lower. It’s best to double check with your RA Doctor. Get better and yes be careful on this Coronavirus as it hits you fast from what I’ve been hearing about.

March 6, 2020
A myRAteam Member

@A myRAteam Member, it seems most RA meds do affect your immune system to "tame it down", so that can make us more susceptible to colds, and other nasties and also take longer to recover or heal. Hopefully your family doctor will provide some help! Love and hugs!

March 7, 2020
A myRAteam Member

Hey @A myRAteam Member. It has been my experience that when on a biologic to stop it until after you are feeling better, that's what I was always told. My immune system has never really been all that great so usually takes me a little to rebound from something simple like the common cold. And it was a little worse when I was on Enbrel. I started Rituxan infusions last year and had bronchitis during the Christmas, was sick for 5 weeks. But again with any and all meds, everyone is different and our bodies react differently. When in doubt check with your doctor. Pray you will be feeling better soon!

March 6, 2020
A myRAteam Member

RA doc told me if your are sick and have a fever don’t take your biologic! Wait until you are no longer sick before starting back on your biologic!

March 6, 2020
A myRAteam Member

I start taking taking Zicam and black elderberry extract chewable tablets at the first indication that I'm getting sick. If I don't do that it can take a month for me to recover from a cold or flu

March 5, 2020

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