Tocilizumab and Breast Biopsy.

Becky88

Good Afternoon,

I wonder if you can offer me some advice. I am taking Tocilizumab every 4 weeks as hospital infusions and Hydroxychloroquine tablets, both for RA. I have recently been told that I may need to have a biopsy following a breast screening appointment. Is it OK to have the breast biopsy whilst on Tocilizumab? I have read on the leaflet that it should be stopped 4 weeks before am operation but does that apply to biopsies?

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you.

helpline_team

Hi @Becky88

Thanks for your question. Current advice is that patients would need to stop taking some of the DMARDs and Biologics at least 4 weeks before surgery, and although the biopsy isn't always though of as 'surgery' there is still a risk of infection.

We would advise that you speak to your rheumatologist or oncologist for further advice, as we are not medically trained.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/disease-modifying-anti-rheumatic-drugs-dmards/

Best wishes,

Tracey - Helpline Advisor

Becky88

Thank you for your advice. Much appreciated.