Coronavirus & Immunosuppressants
Posted , 10 users are following.
Hi all,
I'm sure everyone is probably up to their eyes in seeing things about coronavirus but i wandered if anyone else is concerned about the risks associated with being on immunosuppressants?
I've been checking the Crohn's and Colitis website and it says anyone taking certain medications is at a higher risk of complications. Is anyone else concerned about this other than me and are you working from home for those that can do this?
Would just be interested in others thoughts or if I'm being concerned about this and others aren't?
Thanks
0 likes, 10 replies
Emis_Moderator fran54405
Edited
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Regards,
Patient
natalie05547 fran54405
Edited
what medicines do u no x
fran54405 natalie05547
Edited
Mecaptopurine, Aziathioprone, Humira, other biologics such as Infiximab and a few others
natalie05547 fran54405
Posted
oh my son is 2 of them
john14053 fran54405
Posted
you should self isolate for 12 weeks imediately
fran54405 john14053
Posted
Really? I've tried ringing the helpline but it was so busy and I'm sure they are unindated with calls etc so would be interested to know peoples thoughts. Would you say 12 weeks because this could have a real impact?
lily65668 fran54405
Posted
I agree partly with john14053 . I think you need to self-isolate for the next couple of weeks at least, then look at how infection rates are going, and what new advice is coming out from the government.
Immunosuppressant drugs do just what it says on the tin: they suppress your immune system, making it harder for you to fight off infections.
Bear in mind also that the immunosuppressant effect depends on the dosage. When these drugs are used for autoimmune conditions they're given at very much lower doses than for chemotherapy. I think it's essential for you to speak to the doctor who prescribed the drugs, as he/she will be best placed to advise you.
One thing I would say is that the risk of going out is to you. You're being asked to self-isolate for your own protection, not to protect others from you. I'm only saying this because certain disreputable newspapers (well, in the UK anyway) are maliciously printing misleading headlines that make it sound as if the elderly (like me) or the immunosuppressed are somehow putting others at risk if they go out in the world. This is simply fake news, which could stir up civil unrest.
Best wishes to all in these difficult times.
Mala01 fran54405
Edited
Hi Fran,
I'm in the same boat, I'm on infliximab etc but I cant work from home as I work in a school my school is open but I dont know if I should self isolate I have a 5 year old daughter who's got several cases in her school but even her schools open.
should I self isolate and what do I say to my employer shes a funny so and so...
keep safe.
fran54405 Mala01
Posted
Hey,
Oh no, I'm sorry to hear that. It's really difficult isn't it. My work are aware but I don't know how much of a risk it is other than reading what they've advised on the Crohn's website and is that a precaution or is it a must?
I hope you can stay safe too and your daughter is ok
jaw90561 fran54405
Posted
hello Fran.
yes I share the same concern.
I had my bloods checked last Wednesday just to make sure everything was as normal as possible incase I had to postpone my meds to allow my immune system to build itself up a bit.
my bloods were ok but I've been advised to stay indoors as much as I possibly can to minimise the risk of me picking anything up. I'm still going into the office to work at the moment but...
stay safe everyone!