Re: Re: MTX/Prednisone-Deborah

[Guest guest]

Deborah, I am a candidate for the MRA and will be starting it soon as the methotrexate and my other meds seem to be tripling my sed rate. What do you know about the MRA and where have you found information? I will be talking to the study doctor soon and am trying to research in the meantime. Thanks!! HollyDeborah Bargad <dbargad@...> wrote: Dear - I take MTX. I take it to keep the biologic Remicade which I have been on for over 6 years now efficacious. I am reading more informatioin that says DMards dont actually modify the disease or stop the damage but do work for RA in conjunction with a biologic. They are made to lower the immune system and keep the body from its hyperactivity. Going off and on prednisone can cause all sorts of problems,

including blood in urine and also lowers your immunity. I have also been doing some research on Natural Herbal alternatives that have TNF binding (Biologic) properties. I plan to supplement my regime with these over time. A new drug called MRA binds to Interlukin 6 which seems to have a large role along with TNF in the RA disease process. After gaining 50 pounds and then losing 40 within the last 2 years, simply by adjusting my prednisone, I have a great respect for its side effects. It affects your thyroid, hormone levels, mood, bone, blood and organs. I have been taking it for over ten years and use it BID. BID means splitting it up AM and PM. I take 6mg AM every day and 1 mg every night before bed. If I keep my remicade appts every 8- 10 weeks, I can keep my steriod dose at a minimum. I am sorry you are on such a roller coaster with your disease. I dont wait for the doctors

to introduce me to a new medication, I do the research myself and sometimes go into a visit knowing as much or more than the specialist. I feel more incontrol of my disease when I am well informed. Yours, Deborah On 3/17/06, leonfii <leonfii@...> wrote: About 2 weeks ago I had blood in urine and since my doctor was awaythe doctor on call placed me on antibiotics (Ciprofloxacn 250mg 2 tabs/day for 3 days) and asked me to follow-up with my PCP. When Icalled the office for the follow-up was told it was too late to haveurine analyses since I was already on antibiotics. I was not told tostop the methotraxate! Also, I was on a combo of 15mgs of MTX & prednisone

for the last 6-8months. 5 weeks ago went off prednisone, but 3 weeks later allsymptoms came back: Stiffness, inflammation & pain. I then had the throat issue and put back on prednisone for one week. I'm off of itagain and symptoms are coming back. For me MTX is not workingwithout the prednisone!?Any of you taking MTX alone and is it working?Should I be taking off the MTX if I have any signs of infection? I also have very itchy skin specially on the areas I shave legs, etc.(Have had this issue for many years.. seen several dermatologistswith no success) could this also be related to RA?My best to all - ( in MA) >> Same here. I had a horrible cold in Dec/Jan. Had to go off of humira then

my> gp gave me amoxicillan and I had to go off of mtx. It was the firsttime in> over 10 years I had to go off of mtx. I'm just now getting back tosomewhat> normal . I've learned tho, that not all doctors will agree... >> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~> Maggie>> -----Original Message-----> From: Rheumatoid Arthritis > [mailto:Rheumatoid Arthritis ]On Behalf Of Krauss> Sent: Thursday, March 16, 2006 1:42 AM> Rheumatoid Arthritis > Subject: Re: Cold/virus update and Humira>>> My rheumatologist said that it was very important to stop Humiraas soon> as I felt any kind of

cold/flu symptoms or got an infection of any kind> (like a cut which won't heal). The humira makes colds/flu andinfections> much worse and makes it difficult to heal. He said I shouldn'tstart the> humira again until I was symptom free. I got a cold this year (my first in> 2 years) and it was awful. I was much sicker than in previouscolds and it> lasted much longer than usual. I missed two doses of humira and myjoints> definitely noticed.>

[Guest guest]

Dear Holly- From what I have read MRA binds Interlukin-6 and interupts the cellular language that causes the inflammation process. Abatacept in trials is a B cell binding drug but its so new not many results have come out yet. I have read only clincal trial results but they do show promise. As Remicade binds TNF so MRA binds IL-6. The research means that now they can interrupt the chemical chain reaction that causes inflammation. I read about a year ago research on this IL-6 theory but it seemed like science fiction and I didnt think it was possible. I guess there is a huge private funding source that makes this possible. It is being trialed for people with lupus also since that inflammation attacks organs. On a seperate note- I have been doing some research on herbal TNF and IL-6 binding substances that may help also. One is curcumin. It is a derivative of tumeric. Getting your sed rate under control is very important. http://www.hopkins-arthritis.som.jhmi.edu/edu/acr2002/ra-treatments.html#mra

On 3/22/06, Holly <hollybgroovin2003@...

> wrote:

Deborah, I am a candidate for the MRA and will be starting it soon as the methotrexate and my other meds seem to be tripling my sed rate. What do you know about the MRA and where have you found information? I will be talking to the study doctor soon and am trying to research in the meantime. Thanks!! Holly Deborah Bargad <dbargad@...> wrote: Dear - I take MTX. I take it to keep the biologic Remicade which I have been on for over 6 years now efficacious. I am reading more informatioin that says DMards dont actually modify the disease or stop the damage but do work for RA in conjunction with a biologic. They are made to lower the immune system and keep the body from its hyperactivity. Going off and on prednisone can cause all sorts of problems, including blood in urine and also lowers your immunity. I have also been doing some research on Natural Herbal alternatives that have TNF binding (Biologic) properties. I plan to supplement my regime with these over time. A new drug called MRA binds to Interlukin 6 which seems to have a large role along with TNF in the RA disease process. After gaining 50 pounds and then losing 40 within the last 2 years, simply by adjusting my prednisone, I have a great respect for its side effects. It affects your thyroid, hormone levels, mood, bone, blood and organs. I have been taking it for over ten years and use it BID. BID means splitting it up AM and PM. I take 6mg AM every day and 1 mg every night before bed. If I keep my remicade appts every 8- 10 weeks, I can keep my steriod dose at a minimum. I am sorry you are on such a roller coaster with your disease. I dont wait for the doctors to introduce me to a new medication, I do the research myself and sometimes go into a visit knowing as much or more than the specialist. I feel more incontrol of my disease when I am well informed. Yours, Deborah

On 3/17/06, leonfii <leonfii@...> wrote:

About 2 weeks ago I had blood in urine and since my doctor was awaythe doctor on call placed me on antibiotics (Ciprofloxacn 250mg 2

tabs/day for 3 days) and asked me to follow-up with my PCP. When Icalled the office for the follow-up was told it was too late to haveurine analyses since I was already on antibiotics. I was not told tostop the methotraxate! Also, I was on a combo of 15mgs of MTX & prednisone for the last 6-8months. 5 weeks ago went off prednisone, but 3 weeks later allsymptoms came back: Stiffness, inflammation & pain. I then had the

throat issue and put back on prednisone for one week. I'm off of itagain and symptoms are coming back. For me MTX is not workingwithout the prednisone!?Any of you taking MTX alone and is it working?Should I be taking off the MTX if I have any signs of infection? I also have very itchy skin specially on the areas I shave legs, etc.(Have had this issue for many years.. seen several dermatologistswith no success) could this also be related to RA?My best to all - ( in MA) >> Same here. I had a horrible cold in Dec/Jan. Had to go off of humira then my> gp gave me amoxicillan and I had to go off of mtx. It was the firsttime in> over 10 years I had to go off of mtx. I'm just now getting back to somewhat> normal . I've learned tho, that not all doctors will agree... >> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~> Maggie>> -----Original Message-----> From:

Rheumatoid Arthritis > [mailto:Rheumatoid Arthritis

]On Behalf Of Krauss> Sent: Thursday, March 16, 2006 1:42 AM> Rheumatoid Arthritis > Subject: Re: Cold/virus update and Humira>>> My rheumatologist said that it was very important to stop Humiraas soon> as I felt any kind of cold/flu symptoms or got an infection of any kind> (like a cut which won't heal). The humira makes colds/flu andinfections> much worse and makes it difficult to heal. He said I shouldn'tstart the> humira again until I was symptom free. I got a cold this year (my first in> 2 years) and it was awful. I was much sicker than in previouscolds and it> lasted much longer than usual. I missed two doses of humira and myjoints> definitely noticed.>

[Guest guest]

More Info for you. http://www.med-owl.com/health/H5N1-Virus-Therapy.html

On 3/22/06, Deborah Bargad <dbargad@...> wrote:

Dear Holly- From what I have read MRA binds Interlukin-6 and interupts the cellular language that causes the inflammation process. Abatacept in trials is a B cell binding drug but its so new not many results have come out yet. I have read only clincal trial results but they do show promise. As Remicade binds TNF so MRA binds IL-6. The research means that now they can interrupt the chemical chain reaction that causes inflammation. I read about a year ago research on this IL-6 theory but it seemed like science fiction and I didnt think it was possible. I guess there is a huge private funding source that makes this possible. It is being trialed for people with lupus also since that inflammation attacks organs. On a seperate note- I have been doing some research on herbal TNF and IL-6 binding substances that may help also. One is curcumin. It is a derivative of tumeric. Getting your sed rate under control is very important. http://www.hopkins-arthritis.som.jhmi.edu/edu/acr2002/ra-treatments.html#mra

On 3/22/06, Holly <hollybgroovin2003@... > wrote:

Deborah, I am a candidate for the MRA and will be starting it soon as the methotrexate and my other meds seem to be tripling my sed rate. What do you know about the MRA and where have you found information? I will be talking to the study doctor soon and am trying to research in the meantime. Thanks!! Holly Deborah Bargad <dbargad@...> wrote: Dear - I take MTX. I take it to keep the biologic Remicade which I have been on for over 6 years now efficacious. I am reading more informatioin that says DMards dont actually modify the disease or stop the damage but do work for RA in conjunction with a biologic. They are made to lower the immune system and keep the body from its hyperactivity. Going off and on prednisone can cause all sorts of problems, including blood in urine and also lowers your immunity. I have also been doing some research on Natural Herbal alternatives that have TNF binding (Biologic) properties. I plan to supplement my regime with these over time. A new drug called MRA binds to Interlukin 6 which seems to have a large role along with TNF in the RA disease process. After gaining 50 pounds and then losing 40 within the last 2 years, simply by adjusting my prednisone, I have a great respect for its side effects. It affects your thyroid, hormone levels, mood, bone, blood and organs. I have been taking it for over ten years and use it BID. BID means splitting it up AM and PM. I take 6mg AM every day and 1 mg every night before bed. If I keep my remicade appts every 8- 10 weeks, I can keep my steriod dose at a minimum. I am sorry you are on such a roller coaster with your disease. I dont wait for the doctors to introduce me to a new medication, I do the research myself and sometimes go into a visit knowing as much or more than the specialist. I feel more incontrol of my disease when I am well informed. Yours, Deborah

On 3/17/06, leonfii <leonfii@...> wrote:

About 2 weeks ago I had blood in urine and since my doctor was awaythe doctor on call placed me on antibiotics (Ciprofloxacn 250mg 2

tabs/day for 3 days) and asked me to follow-up with my PCP. When Icalled the office for the follow-up was told it was too late to haveurine analyses since I was already on antibiotics. I was not told tostop the methotraxate! Also, I was on a combo of 15mgs of MTX & prednisone for the last 6-8months. 5 weeks ago went off prednisone, but 3 weeks later allsymptoms came back: Stiffness, inflammation & pain. I then had the

throat issue and put back on prednisone for one week. I'm off of itagain and symptoms are coming back. For me MTX is not workingwithout the prednisone!?Any of you taking MTX alone and is it working?Should I be taking off the MTX if I have any signs of infection? I also have very itchy skin specially on the areas I shave legs, etc.(Have had this issue for many years.. seen several dermatologistswith no success) could this also be related to RA?My best to all - ( in MA) >> Same here. I had a horrible cold in Dec/Jan. Had to go off of humira then my> gp gave me amoxicillan and I had to go off of mtx. It was the firsttime in> over 10 years I had to go off of mtx. I'm just now getting back to somewhat> normal . I've learned tho, that not all doctors will agree... >> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~> Maggie>> -----Original Message-----> From:

Rheumatoid Arthritis > [mailto:Rheumatoid Arthritis

]On Behalf Of Krauss> Sent: Thursday, March 16, 2006 1:42 AM> Rheumatoid Arthritis > Subject: Re: Cold/virus update and Humira>>> My rheumatologist said that it was very important to stop Humiraas soon> as I felt any kind of cold/flu symptoms or got an infection of any kind> (like a cut which won't heal). The humira makes colds/flu andinfections> much worse and makes it difficult to heal. He said I shouldn'tstart the> humira again until I was symptom free. I got a cold this year (my first in> 2 years) and it was awful. I was much sicker than in previouscolds and it> lasted much longer than usual. I missed two doses of humira and myjoints> definitely noticed.>

[Guest guest]

Hello all - Can anyone tell me what TNF stands for as it relates to RA? I'm wondering if there's a relationship with my RA and brain tumors! On March of 05 I had (benign) brain tumor surgery. last Friday I went for my 1 year MRI / Surgeon follow-up. My 1st tumor is coming back and have a new on on another part of the brain. Fortunately these tumors are slow growing (hope it continues that way) and can live with them until they start to cause symptoms. At this point the RA is causing the most problems for me.

Thank you for your help and for being there. in MA

-----Original Message-----From: Rheumatoid Arthritis [mailto:Rheumatoid Arthritis ] On Behalf Of Deborah BargadSent: Wednesday, March 22, 2006 2:45 AMRheumatoid Arthritis Subject: Re: Re: MTX/Prednisone-DeborahDear Holly- From what I have read MRA binds Interlukin-6 and interupts the cellular language that causes the inflammation process. Abatacept in trials is a B cell binding drug but its so new not many results have come out yet. I have read only clincal trial results but they do show promise. As Remicade binds TNF so MRA binds IL-6. The research means that now they can interrupt the chemical chain reaction that causes inflammation. I read about a year ago research on this IL-6 theory but it seemed like science fiction and I didnt think it was possible. I guess there is a huge private funding source that makes this possible. It is being trialed for people with lupus also since that inflammation attacks organs. On a seperate note- I have been doing some research on herbal TNF and IL-6 binding substances that may help also. One is curcumin. It is a derivative of tumeric. Gettin! g your sed rate under control is very important. http://www.hopkins-arthritis.som.jhmi.edu/edu/acr2002/ra-treatments.html#mra

On 3/22/06, Holly <hollybgroovin2003@... > wrote:

Deborah, I am a candidate for the MRA and will be starting it soon as the methotrexate and my other meds seem to be tripling my sed rate. What do you know about the MRA and where have you found information? I will be talking to the study doctor soon and am trying to research in the meantime. Thanks!! Holly Deborah Bargad <dbargad@...> wrote: Dear - I take MTX. I take it to keep the biologic Remicade which I have been on for over 6 years now efficacious. I am reading more informatioin that says DMards dont actually modify the disease or stop the damage but do work for RA in conjunction with a biologic. They are made to lower the immune system and keep the body from its hyperactivity. Going off and on prednisone can cause all sorts of problems, including blood in urine and also lowers your immunity. I have also been doing some research on Natural Herbal alternatives that have TNF binding (Biologic) properties. I plan to supplement my regime with these over time. A new drug called MRA binds to Interlukin 6 which seems to have a large role along with TNF in the RA disease process. After gaining 50 pounds and then losing 40 within the la! st 2 years, simply by adjusting my prednisone, I have a great respect for its side effects. It affects your thyroid, hormone levels, mood, bone, blood and organs. I have been taking it for over ten years and use it BID. BID means splitting it up AM and PM. I take 6mg AM every day and 1 mg every night before bed. If I keep my remicade appts every 8- 10 weeks, I can keep my steriod dose at a minimum. I am sorry you are on such a roller coaster with your disease. I dont wait for the doctors to introduce me to a new medication, I do the research myself and sometimes go into a visit knowing as much or more than the specialist. I feel more incontrol of my disease when I am well informed. Yours, Deborah

On 3/17/06, leonfii <leonfii@...> wrote:

About 2 weeks ago I had blood in urine and since my doctor was awaythe doctor on call placed me on antibiotics (Ciprofloxacn 250mg 2 tabs/day for 3 days) and asked me to follow-up with my PCP. When Icalled the office for the follow-up was told it was too late to haveurine analyses since I was already on antibiotics. I was not told tostop the methotraxate! Also, I was on a combo of 15mgs of MTX & prednisone for the last 6-8months. 5 weeks ago went off prednisone, but 3 weeks later allsymptoms came back: Stiffness, inflammation & pain. I then had thethroat issue and put back on prednisone for one week. I'm off of itagain and symptoms are coming back. For me MTX is not workingwithout the prednisone!?Any of you taking MTX alone and is it working?Should I be taking off the MTX if I have any signs of infection? I also have very itchy skin specially on the areas I shave legs, etc.(Have had this issue for many years.. seen several dermatologistswith no success) could this also be related to RA?My best to all - ( in MA) >> Same here. I had a horrible cold in Dec/Jan. Had to go off of humira then my> gp gave me amoxicillan and I had to go off of mtx. It was the firsttime in> over 10 years I had to go off of mtx. I'm just now getting back to somewhat> normal . I've learned tho, that not all doctors will agree... >> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~> Maggie>> -----Original Message-----> From: Rheumatoid Arthritis > [mailto:Rheumatoid Arthritis ]On Behalf Of Krauss> Sent: Thursday, March 16, 2006 1:42 AM> Rheumatoid Arthritis > Subject: Re: Cold/virus update and Humira>>> My rheumatologist said that it was very important to stop Humiraas soon> as I felt any kind of cold/flu symptoms or got an infection of any kind> (like a cut which won't heal). The humira makes colds/flu andinfections> much worse and makes it difficult to heal. He said I shouldn'tstart the> humira again until I was symptom free. I got a cold this year (my first in> 2 years) and it was awful. I was much sicker than in previouscolds and it> lasted much longer than usual. I missed two doses of humira and myjoints> definitely noticed.>

[Guest guest]

Thank you Toni.

-----Original Message-----

From: Rheumatoid Arthritis

[mailto:Rheumatoid Arthritis ] On Behalf Of Ms radar

Sent: Wednesday, March 22, 2006 8:49 PM

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Subject: Re: MTX/Prednisone-Deborah

TNF stands for tumor necrosising factor.

Here is a link defining it:

http://arthritis.about.com/od/brms/g/tnf.htm

Toni

> >

> > Same here. I had a horrible cold in Dec/Jan. Had to go off of

> humira then my

> > gp gave me amoxicillan and I had to go off of mtx. It was the

first

> time in

> > over 10 years I had to go off of mtx. I'm just now getting back

to

> somewhat

> > normal . I've learned tho, that not all doctors will agree...

> >

> > ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

> > Maggie

> >

> > -----Original Message-----

> > From: Rheumatoid Arthritis

> > [mailto:Rheumatoid Arthritis ]On Behalf Of

> Krauss

> > Sent: Thursday, March 16, 2006 1:42 AM

> > Rheumatoid Arthritis

> <mailto:Rheumatoid Arthritis >

> > Subject: Re: Cold/virus update and Humira

> >

> >

> > My rheumatologist said that it was very important to stop Humira

> as soon

> > as I felt any kind of cold/flu symptoms or got an infection of

any

> kind

> > (like a cut which won't heal). The humira makes colds/flu and

> infections

> > much worse and makes it difficult to heal. He said I shouldn't

> start the

> > humira again until I was symptom free. I got a cold this year

(my

> first in

> > 2 years) and it was awful. I was much sicker than in previous

> colds and it

> > lasted much longer than usual. I missed two doses of humira and

my

> joints

> > definitely noticed.

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

, TNF does mean Tumor Necrosis Factor. I dont know if your tumors are related. Ask your RD or Neuro about the effects (negative or positive) that a TNF binding drug can do as it relates to your case specifically. I will see what I can find out about TNF and tumors for ya. Hugs, Deborah

On 3/22/06, Filinta Cael <leonfii@...> wrote:

Hello all - Can anyone tell me what TNF stands for as it relates to RA? I'm wondering if there's a relationship with my RA and brain tumors! On March of 05 I had (benign) brain tumor surgery. last Friday I went for my 1 year MRI / Surgeon follow-up. My 1st tumor is coming back and have a new on on another part of the brain. Fortunately these tumors are slow growing (hope it continues that way) and can live with them until they start to cause symptoms. At this point the RA is causing the most problems for me.

Thank you for your help and for being there. in MA

-----Original Message-----From: Rheumatoid Arthritis

[mailto:Rheumatoid Arthritis ] On Behalf Of Deborah Bargad

Sent: Wednesday, March 22, 2006 2:45 AMRheumatoid Arthritis

Subject: Re: Re: MTX/Prednisone-Deborah

Dear Holly- From what I have read MRA binds Interlukin-6 and interupts the cellular language that causes the inflammation process. Abatacept in trials is a B cell binding drug but its so new not many results have come out yet. I have read only clincal trial results but they do show promise. As Remicade binds TNF so MRA binds IL-6. The research means that now they can interrupt the chemical chain reaction that causes inflammation. I read about a year ago research on this IL-6 theory but it seemed like science fiction and I didnt think it was possible. I guess there is a huge private funding source that makes this possible. It is being trialed for people with lupus also since that inflammation attacks organs. On a seperate note- I have been doing some research on herbal TNF and IL-6 binding substances that may help also. One is curcumin. It is a derivative of tumeric. Gettin! g your sed rate under control is very important. http://www.hopkins-arthritis.som.jhmi.edu/edu/acr2002/ra-treatments.html#mra

On 3/22/06, Holly <

hollybgroovin2003@... > wrote:

Deborah, I am a candidate for the MRA and will be starting it soon as the methotrexate and my other meds seem to be tripling my sed rate. What do you know about the MRA and where have you found information? I will be talking to the study doctor soon and am trying to research in the meantime. Thanks!! Holly Deborah Bargad <dbargad@...> wrote:

Dear - I take MTX. I take it to keep the biologic Remicade which I have been on for over 6 years now efficacious. I am reading more informatioin that says DMards dont actually modify the disease or stop the damage but do work for RA in conjunction with a biologic. They are made to lower the immune system and keep the body from its hyperactivity. Going off and on prednisone can cause all sorts of problems, including blood in urine and also lowers your immunity. I have also been doing some research on Natural Herbal alternatives that have TNF binding (Biologic) properties. I plan to supplement my regime with these over time. A new drug called MRA binds to Interlukin 6 which seems to have a large role along with TNF in the RA disease process. After gaining 50 pounds and then losing 40 within the la! st 2 years, simply by adjusting my prednisone, I have a great respect for its side effects. It affects your thyroid, hormone levels, mood, bone, blood and organs. I have been taking it for over ten years and use it BID. BID means splitting it up AM and PM. I take 6mg AM every day and 1 mg every night before bed. If I keep my remicade appts every 8- 10 weeks, I can keep my steriod dose at a minimum. I am sorry you are on such a roller coaster with your disease. I dont wait for the doctors to introduce me to a new medication, I do the research myself and sometimes go into a visit knowing as much or more than the specialist. I feel more incontrol of my disease when I am well informed. Yours, Deborah

On 3/17/06, leonfii <leonfii@...> wrote:

About 2 weeks ago I had blood in urine and since my doctor was awaythe doctor on call placed me on antibiotics (Ciprofloxacn 250mg 2

tabs/day for 3 days) and asked me to follow-up with my PCP. When Icalled the office for the follow-up was told it was too late to haveurine analyses since I was already on antibiotics. I was not told tostop the methotraxate! Also, I was on a combo of 15mgs of MTX & prednisone for the last 6-8months. 5 weeks ago went off prednisone, but 3 weeks later allsymptoms came back: Stiffness, inflammation & pain. I then had the

throat issue and put back on prednisone for one week. I'm off of itagain and symptoms are coming back. For me MTX is not workingwithout the prednisone!?Any of you taking MTX alone and is it working?Should I be taking off the MTX if I have any signs of infection? I also have very itchy skin specially on the areas I shave legs, etc.(Have had this issue for many years.. seen several dermatologistswith no success) could this also be related to RA?My best to all - ( in MA) >> Same here. I had a horrible cold in Dec/Jan. Had to go off of humira then my> gp gave me amoxicillan and I had to go off of mtx. It was the firsttime in> over 10 years I had to go off of mtx. I'm just now getting back to somewhat> normal . I've learned tho, that not all doctors will agree... >> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~> Maggie>> -----Original Message-----> From:

Rheumatoid Arthritis > [mailto:Rheumatoid Arthritis

]On Behalf Of Krauss> Sent: Thursday, March 16, 2006 1:42 AM> Rheumatoid Arthritis > Subject: Re: Cold/virus update and Humira>>> My rheumatologist said that it was very important to stop Humiraas soon> as I felt any kind of cold/flu symptoms or got an infection of any kind> (like a cut which won't heal). The humira makes colds/flu andinfections> much worse and makes it difficult to heal. He said I shouldn'tstart the> humira again until I was symptom free. I got a cold this year (my first in> 2 years) and it was awful. I was much sicker than in previouscolds and it> lasted much longer than usual. I missed two doses of humira and myjoints> definitely noticed.>