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Date: 23.11.2012
From: celia

Subject: immune deficiency

I have recently been advised by rheumatologist to take hydroxychloroquine and methotrexate and had a steroid injection into muscle. my problem is that i have read up and it says these drugs supress immune system...does this lead to constant infections and colds etc? As i am also a sufferer of ME/CFS last thing i need is infections. Anybody have any experience with RA and Oesteo combined with ME?
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Date: 23.11.2012
From: bsk

Subject: Re: immune deficiency

Hi Celia, I just have RA but have to admit I got some very nasty infections whilst on Mtx. I'm now on half dose of Enbrel and still get ill but am about to start a prophylactic antibiotic to prevent that happening.
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Date: 24.11.2012
From: Paula-R

Subject: Re: immune deficiency

I have been told by my nurse specialist that MTX brings our immune system down to a normal level, but it is not able to kick in and work when we get any infection like it should do. I have been taking MTX for nearly two and a half years now and I have not (touch wood) had anything wrong with me, not even a cold. My husband had a bad bout of flu two years ago, I never caught it. Just add here I had not had my yearly flu vaccination at the time.

Paula
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Date: 24.11.2012
From: kirst

Subject: Re: immune deficiency

i used to be on mtx and appart from the ususal side effects i cant say that i cought many bugs while taking it (was on it for 2 years ish). I have FMS so cant cope when ill as it makes it 1000x worse.
Im on hydroxychloroquine now and ive got a cold but nothing worse than the rest of the family.
Everyone is different and everyone is affected differently. try not to worry, and just keep a check on how it is affecting you. you can always go back and discuss it if you find you are getting bugs and infections.
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Date: 24.11.2012
From: bsk

Subject: Re: immune deficiency

I should add that I always used to get chest infections as I have asthma but was also a prem baby - apparently more vulnerable.
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Date: 26.11.2012
From: celia

Subject: Re: immune deficiency

Thanks to all those that replied, I continue to research, I guess it will be down to my own body as to side effects etc.
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Date: 26.11.2012
From: Linda

Subject: Re: immune deficiency

I don't think that hydroxychloroquine affects the immune system as methotrexate does. I was told it is one of the safest drugs you can take.
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Date: 26.11.2012
From: bsk

Subject: Re: immune deficiency

Yes, I heard that too Linda.
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Date: 26.11.2012
From: rhona

Subject: Re: immune deficiency

I take both Mtx and hydroxychloroquine and have had no side effects yet and i have been on both for years.
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Date: 03.12.2012
From: davina

Subject: Re: immune deficiency

i have asthma also and when on just meth and plaquenil i didn't get ill to bad, then i went onto enbral and cimiza and was ill nearly every month with a chest invection and/or laryngitis x
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