Worried about germs after starting Enbrel

By KayFour Monday, December 21, 2009

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This may sound a little weird, but after reading what there is to read about Enbrel, I am worried about the medication depressing my immune system. The nurse at my doctor's office told me to stay away from people who are sick (like my grandchildren when they have a cold.) I work at a college and have people in and out of my office all day, and it seems like most are coughing, sneezing, etc. I use TONS of hand-sanitizer and wipe down my desk with a disinfectant every day.

I was searching online for a different method for keeping my area relatively germ free eithout having to wear a mask and latex gloves and I ran across this: The Clorox^® Home Flu Kit . I am so excited about this, I can't wait to get mine in the mail.

I know this sounds self-serving, but I think every little bit helps because I certainly don't want to get sick. I think having RA is enough. :) This seemed like too good a deal to pass up and I wanted to share it with all of you.

Comments (3) | Add comment

andrew

12/21/09 11:08pm

Sorry you need to go on Enbrel. But the majority of people believe that biological meds like this are worth it. The risk of infection is present with most disease modifying drugs because the immune system must be suppressed to check the RA.

Since you work in a school environment, you are probably exposed to many germs and as a result, built up some immunity (I've worked in schools for 25 years and find that's the case). But taking precautions like you mention is important. You can also receive flu vaccines (both regular and H1N1).

It's great that you're thinking carefully about all these issues. I hope that Enbrel works well for you.

Andrew

http://livingwithra.wordpress.com/

BerserkeRA

12/23/09 5:38pm

Hey Kay,

I'm also in a college environment and have taken many of the same precautions as you are. So far, so good!

I'm very vigilent and if a student is looking run down or displaying symptoms, I ask them if they are sick. If they say yes, I move away, or ask them to move away. So far, everyone has been very understanding.

I do agree with Andrew that we likely have increased tolerances, but don't think we can rely on them with the meds.

In addition to the flu vaccines, make sure to get a pneumonia vaccine (I believe you can have one every 6 years) and make sure the administering physcian knows the meds you are on (in certain cases they are restricted as to the kind of vaccine they can administer, and by time buffers between vaccines).

Josephine

12/28/09 12:34am

Hi Kay,

I too was worried about getting sick after I started Enbrel, but (knock on wood) after 2 years on Enbrel and Methotrexate, I have not gotten sick anymore than I did before I started on medication, and perhaps even less.

I am, however, very proactive about avoiding exposure as much as possible. Probably the most important thing you can do is wash your hands frequently. Make sure that you turn off the tap and exit the bathroom door by using a clean paper towel to keep from touching the fawcet or door handle after your hands are clean. I even keep a folded paper towel in my purse in case the restroom doesn't have them on hand. I also keep hand sanitizers on my purse, desk, and car.

Also, avoid touching public surfaces as much as possible. Carry your own pen so that you don't have to use other's. Use your keys to punch in numbers at the ATM or elevator buttons. Always wipe off the handle of your shopping cart. Also, you can train yourself not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth unless you have just washed your hands, or at least do it less frequently.

I used to feel kind of self-conscious about being thought of as germ-phobic, but I think that the times have changed and more people are practicing better hygiene these days. Now I just think of myself as setting a good example!

Best wishes!

Worried about germs after starting Enbrel

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