Does RA weaken your immune system...I know the medications can, as I am taking Arava.
But I have got an exteremely bad head cold/sinus infection and dont know if I should have it treated with a doctor or just continue to let it work itself out?? I am kind of new to this whole RA thing. Thanks.
RA does weaken your immune system so make sure that you are taking a multi-vitamin & a vitamin C tablet every day. I use the Women's One A Day Weight Smart Vitamin & I buy the Nature Made Vitamin C tablets. I also take 1200mg (one 600mg tablet twice daily) of calcium everyday & drink about 24oz. of all natural orange juice. I do still get colds & I've had one round of the flu but I didn't get as bad sick this time around as I usually do. This is a rough time of year for us RA folks so take good care of yourself, you deserve it.
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First let me say that I am sorry that you posted your question on here so long ago and have not received a reply until now. I am not an expert on this but I have heard that some people on certain RA meds tend to get sinus infections after they start taking the meds. My personal way of handling your situation would be to call your Rhuemy's office and ask what they suggest. And yes some RA meds do work by weakening our overly strong immune systems. Again, I would ask your Rhuematologist if that is what is happening in your case. Sometimes the side affects of one drug may be too much for a person to tolerate and their RA doc will switch them to another. I know this answer is rather belated .You probably have worked out the situation already but I wanted to answer this because I want you to know that you have been heard, and that someone cares
. Take care... hope your sinuses are all well. Mel