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Answers tagged plaquenil: Page 1 of 1
Q:

Hayley from Calgary asks: I have recently gotten sick and need to know if I should continue my methotrexate injections or hold them while I am sick ?

As a general rule, it’s ok to continue traditional DMARDs (examples: methotrexate, plaquenil, sulfasalazine, leflunomide) when sick, particularly anything mild without a fever or needing antibiotics.  For those on biologics, we generally recommend that they are held, particularly if you have a fever or require antibiotics, until you are feeling better.  However, during the COVID19 pandemic, we are often a little more cautious and it would be reasonable to hold any DMARD – traditional or biologic – until you are feeling better.  In most cases for methotrexate, this would mean missing one dose, which wouldn’t impact arthritis control for most individuals.

Q:

Norma from Alberta asks: I have stable lupus.  Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Please visit our COVID-19 vaccine information page, which we will keep updating as more information becomes available.  At this time (January/2021), there is no information to suggest the currently available COVID-19 vaccines are unsafe for those with lupus or taking any medications for lupus.  That applies to all rheumatic conditions, in fact. If you are still not sure after reading the available information, please contact your rheumatologist.

Q:

Anne from Calgary asks: I have recently been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.  I also have a lung disease.   I was started on hydroxychloroquine, but shouldn’t I be on methotrexate?

With some types of lung disease, rheumatologists may be cautious using certain typical rheumatoid arthritis medications, particularly methotrexate.  One of the rare side effects of methotrexate is to cause lung damage, something in particular to be avoided in an a patient with bad lungs in the first place.  Fortunately, there are many other good options available to treat rheumatoid arthritis which are relatively safer from a lung point of view.  Hydroxychloroquine is one of these options.  In mild cases of rheumatoid arthritis, this may be an excellent option.  For moderate to severe cases, further discussion with a rheumatologist should lead to an optimal treatment plan.



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