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Any general safety procedures for those on biologics?

Soon to be on Cimzia and wondered if there are general guidelines to observe while on an immunosuppressant i.e. avoid rare meats and certain other foods?

  1. Hey I’ve been on Remicade infusions for over a year and tried humira before that. Everyone is different ok, so I don’t want to just speak for everyone, but I haven’t had any problems with it. I have a toddler too that goes to daycare so the only thing I have had to deal with is getting sick super easy. He’s building his immune system so gets sick at daycare all the time the. Comes home and basically coughs in my mouth (kids man...) and I’m like “ok I’ll get sick now in t minus 4 hours” lol I usually take emergency c packets and zicam right when I start feeling it. My colds and such do seem to last longer than they used to, but not unbearable. I might be down the first two days where I used to be able to still get stuff done. I just listen to my body and rest when I need to and don’t over do it. I’m not sure about the one you are taking, but I absolutely do not get my infusion if I am sick. That’s the only real time that you could wind up in the hospital over the common cold. So just reschedule your appt and you should be fine 😀
    I don’t know about the red meat thing....but I think overall just taking care of your body is what’s key. Eat lots of veggies and fresh fruit, try to stay away from processed foods and sugars. That’s how we are all supposed to eat regardless! Lol but it’s definitely good practice to make sure you are taking extra care of your body so that if you do get sick you aren’t super bad off if that makes sense? But I’ve still had my weekends where I drink too much wine, eat ice cream and so on and I’m fine 😀

    1. Thanks for the reply. So I'm guessing that those on biologics should consider themselves as having a somewhat compromised immune system and all that implies. I have to make a decision this week and am just trying to educate myself . At this point I just have pain in 2 fingers and a flare of psoriasis in one spot so to me the risk / reward is quite there yet..although that could change what I get the results of blood / x rays this week. Thanks for taking the time to reply...and.. keep drinking that wine !

  2. Sorry for the typos! Typing on my phone with said toddler demanding attention. Lol

    1. 'is quite there yet'..this should read 'isn't'

      1. Hi bayrat, Five years ago at a routine physical I asked my Primary about a swollen knuckle that did not hurt but wasn't going away. He referred me to a rheumatologist whom I went to to humor my Primary. The rheumatologist did a very thorough history and physical and diagnosed PsA that day. She also ordered blood work and x-rays to confirm, etc. She went on to explain what PsA is and her belief in immediate and aggressive treatment to fight it. The following week I added methotrexate to the megadoses of ibuprofen I had been taking for what I thought was age-related muscle aches.

        LSS: As I keep in mind that everyones physical and medical experience and reactions are different: Today I am taking a biologic I once scoffed at and am SO thankful they exist. I avoid wheat as best I can; the same with processed foods, sugar, and most dairy. All of these things help me avoid inflammation and accompanying pain as proved by when I indulge in same. I'm aware this is particularly difficult for parents planning meals.This isn't meant to be preachy; only my experience. I wish you the best with making the very difficult decisions in front of you. Also this community site has been an exceptionally helpful source of information and support.

        1. Thanks Rojo..your first paragraph sounds sounds like where I am right now. I have to go to the rheum doc tomorrow for the results of x rays / blood but thats probably just a formality as he's already called PsA.
          I realize that its ultimately my call, but all of the info that Im gathering (from people like you) will help me to make an educated decision. Thanks again.

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