Already on Humira, Methotrexate & coumadin...Any side effects from Tetanus & Shingles vac?
My new Ra Doc would like me to have two vaccines... one for Tetanus & one for Shingles. I have been on humira for about 2 months now and on methotrexate for about 9 months or so. I've gone through my prednisone phase and came off that this past May. My question is "Has anyone had the tetanus and shingles vaccine's and if yes did you have any reaction to them, especially the shingles?" I've been free of all childhood diseases. Been exposed before (all five older siblings when I was growing up and my own six children, having chicken pox when they were young). I also know that shingles is a form of chicken pox and easily to contract while on Humira? Any input would be greatly appreciated!!! Thank You!
Connie, I can't answer your question, sorry. Let's hope someone knows something on this.
I also am wanting to know about the Shingles vaccine.
I'm going for my first time to a Rheumy on the 25th of August. Having known of someone (a friend of a friend) that had a severe case of Shingles for years and years ~Bad stuff.! I'm rather nervous about any reactions from this shot ...but I think I'm going for it.
Tetanus shot, I've had; good for five years, maybe longer. No problem. Recall some tenderness at injection site, not bad. Anyone had the Shingles shot?
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I am also newly diagnosed for RA. I had the Shingles vac last week. I have not had any side effects at all. I will keep you posted. Dianne
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Wib
Monday, September 07, 2009 at 01:20 PM
Hi Connie,
I recently read that those of us with arthritis should not have the shingles vaccine.
Therefore, I would certainly check with your doctor.
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I was told that the shingles vaccine was a no-no because it is a live virus-I am on remicade and cannot have live virus injections-not sure about other med and the shot.
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I have been on Humira for more than 2 years and was on Enbrel before that. My mom had a very severe case of shingles that has continued to give her problems for about 5 years and probably will continue according to her doctors. So when the shingles vaccine became available I asked my doctor and he said absolutely not to take it. Not to take any live virus immunization.
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Connie: Different perspective here. My RA and Primary Docs did not want me to take the live, attenuated Shingles vaccine for the reason the other commenters have made. And, there is some [little, but some] indication that contracting Shingles leads to remission of RA symptoms in some people. So, if the fully alive, active virus helps some RA sufferers, then the weakened Vaccine might also help? That is my hope.
Your RA dioc must feel comfortable with the Shingles vaccine for you. My Docs have reluctantly agreed to give me the Vaccine, but want me off immune suppressing drugs, first[6 weeks], which I cannot currently do with a severe flare.
No problem with Tetanus or other non-living Vaccines, just the weakened live forms that ring their alarm bells.
PLEASE ! let us know if you do get the Vaccine, and what the results are....do your RA symptoms decrease any?
You may be a pioneer in new ways to relieve RA, anfd I do hope your symptoms are not debilitating to begin with. Thanks.
Wib
ra
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Connie Diller
Saturday, October 03, 2009 at 11:04 AM
Well first I need to apologize for not writing back sooner... I got the answer to the question on vaccines after you have started anything like methotrexate. NO, absolutely NOT!!! My new rheumy was not aware that I was already on methotrexate, very,very BAD to have any live vaccine after starting RA treatments. Another addition I learned is that if you have never had chicken pox you don't need the vaccine for shingles because shingles can only happen after you've had the chicken pox. So long story short, I didn't get any live vaccine.
Once again sorry for the late response, take care, stay strong, continue to fight the battle... we can overcome;>)
Your Ideal Rheumatologist
Establish a relationship with your doctor that works for you.
Diane: My PCP and Rheumatologist had fits when I asked for the Shingles Vaccine, and after pestering them for a year, finally said OK, but I had to be off Immune
suppressing drugs for 6 weeks before, and 4 weeks after getting the Vaccine. I am in a flare, and I can't stay off Enbrel and Prednisone for that long.
Please, please: Tell me if your RA symptoms lessened after you got the
Shingles shot. Thanks, Wib Smith Mail me Wib411atyahoodotcom