Frequency of Cimzia injections

Bex91

Hi all

I take Cimzia, but, keep getting recurrent thrush and BV.

Have had all sorts of tests, and nothing is revealed. I am due a smear test later this year.

I stopped taking Cimzia for 6 weeks in the summer; it didn’t stop the thrush. So it makes me think it’s not the drug now.

But, equally, the infection isn’t getting out of my system between injections (fortnightly). Should I shift to 2 injections monthly do you think?
or try 1 every 3 weeks?

Has anyone done this?

Naomi33

Morning @Bex91 sorry to hear your concerns about Cimzia.

Have discussed with your doctor / consultant ??

I have no experience but I am sure others will connect with you soon.

Best wishes @Naomi33

Bex91

Hi Naomi

I saw a biologic nurse at my rheumatology clinic over the summer. They recommended I stop the injections for at least a month or until I had had 2 clear weeks without the infection.

I did that: day after I injected I had a huge thrush infection that took 7 days to clear. I don’t know if it’s the drug or something else??

It is making me utterly miserable; impossible to be intimate with my partner as it’s so uncomfortable for me; frustrating us both.

the nurse did say they could try another biologic… but no guarantees this one will be tolerated etc.

the RA pain has disappeared with it, which is amazing.

But… this infection cycle is driving me mad.

I don’t know if anyone else has such issues??
thanks.

hevver7

is anyone here suffering with RA? I was diagnosed 10 months back. Polyarthritis and Osteoporosis. I don’t know anyone else with my condition. Really wanted to ask about fatigue symptoms as I only seem to get 2-4 hour window of time in a day when I’m not wanting my bed. I’m still on a tad of prednisolone. Taking hydroxychloroquin daily and salzapyin 3000mg daily. In pain constantly and I have no life. Any tips would be appreciated.

Anna

Sorry to interrupt your thread @Bex91 but just wanted to give a quick welcome to @hevver7 who has just joined.

Fatigue is possibly one of the most difficult aspects of arthritis as it can affect so many parts of our life and make it harder to cope with pain. All our members have experience of living with arthritis- many with RA - so hopefully you’ll get some suggestions about how to manage it.

Meanwhile, you might want to have a look at the Versus Arthritis webpage below that discusses fatigue and how you can manage it.

https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/managing-fatigue/

Anna ( Moderator)