Do you get infusions when you have an infection? | Arthritis Information

I already know about the arguments against getting your biologic infusion when you have an infection, but from what I've seen, each doctor does things a little differently so I'm really just looking to poll people on what their doctor does.

Currently I am on week 13 of a sinus infection (just starting my 6th course of antibiotics), and although my RD says I can get my Orencia infusion, my nursing service refuses to give it to me until I am infection and antibiotic free for 7 days. Although the Orencia wasn't performing miracles for me, it was helping and I am now hurting more. I am wondering if this continues if I might need to go elsewhere to get my infusions, where they will listen to my doctor.

Anyway, I was curious what your doctor does....if you have a sinus/respiratory infection, does your doctor recommend you get your infusion, wait until the antibiotic's had a chance to work, wait until you are symptom and antibiotic-free for 7 days, or what?

Sorry innerglow- I don't get infusions but my doctor is so rigid he would not even let me take my MTX when I had a little cold- no fever! I cant have an infusion if I am at all under the weather. actual anitibiotic needing or not.

I had to fight tooth and nail to get an infusion when I threw up from a migraine last year. They werent 100% certain I wasnt sick from something else.

I don't have infusions.. but I wanted to commiserate w/ you on the sinus infection, Inner! That's horrible that you are still fighting it after all this time.. I had one.. three rounds of antibiotics til FINALLY it was working.. Do you think the antibiotics are working? do you feel any better??My doctor said that I can't have anything if I'm sick..even with a little cold.

No biologics if you're ill with or without an infection. Lindy

Actually, no, I don't think the antibiotics are working. Last winter, after my first round of Rituxan, I had a 3.5 month sinus infection and I expect this one to be about the same, whether or not I am able to get my infusions. My primary care (who also has RA or something similar) even said that it's likely to go away when spring comes whether or not the antibiotics work. The prospect of potentially not being able to take infusions every winter is a real concern for me, especially because my next two options (Cimzia or Actemra) are also infusions. Not to mention the prospect of having painful sinus headaches while having increased RA symptoms, ongoing. Ack.

Well, thanks for the answers. Guess I'm just going to need to wait it out.