Anti TNF and Fertility

Sparkys6887
Sparkys6887 Member Posts: 58
edited 11. Jan 2013, 21:07 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi All. This is my first post. I'll introduce myself in the relevant section later.

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and want to know know if Anti TNF drugs effect fertility.

I'm very keen to find this out.

Thanks

Mark

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Sorry, Mark. I don't know though I'd guess they might. I hope someone who knows more about them will be along soon. However, on the 'Hello' forum I think you said you'd only just started with sulph and hydroxy and I believe we all have to have given 3 DMARDS a good go before they'll try the anti-tnfs.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • Sparkys6887
    Sparkys6887 Member Posts: 58
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank for your reply. My RA nurse specialist said two dmard's and I can hassle the consultant for a biologics assessment so fingers crossed!!! I want/need to find out what others have been told about biologics and fertility as I want to be able to challenge NICE guidelines regarding DMARD'S. which definately do effect fertility. I have herd that biologics don't effect fertility as they are directed at the RA and not at the whole system???
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Any drug one takes affects the whole body as it can't distinguish between the bits it needs to help and the bits it should avoid. I am on humira and injected meth - when I need to stop them due to an infection I feel so much better in myself despite being ill with the bug.

    The fertility question is probably one best raised with your rheumatologist. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Biologics are newer meds than DMARDS and so there isn't so much hard and fast info on them. I'm pretty sure women have to come off them before getting pregnant and, from what I've been able to find out online, because there is far less data for men, they are usually advised to check with their rheumatologist.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • LignumVitae
    LignumVitae Member Posts: 1,972
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    It is my understanding that Sticky is correct and there is limited data and research of the impacts Anti-TNF therapy has on sperm. There is evidence of women successfully carrying babies conceived whilst on Anti-TNF but equally there is siimilar evidence (rare) of women successfully carrying healthy pregnancies conceived whilst on methotrexate. I think the guidelines as they stand are suitably cautious for both types of meds and although it may be possible for some people, the fact that the drugs can impacts on sperm and eggs means that there is a chance of congenital defects so it isn't worth the risk of finding out. I know of a friend who was on an anti tnf and he had to come off that to try for his family, he was successful and the couple have a lovely 3 year old daughter now.
    Hey little fighter, things will get brighter
  • Sparkys6887
    Sparkys6887 Member Posts: 58
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for your replies. I'll also check with my rheumatologist next time I see him.

    Mark

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