Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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oceans11 07/24/2014

I know that when having RA you have to be careful about antibiotics but what about OTC cold meds like Advil Cold & Flu or Nyquil etc.. What has been your experience with these items?

I just got a bug a few days ago & I'm trying to kick it, already missed 1 day of work & I don't want to miss another especially a Friday. I want to take something but not sure what's okay to take.

Any suggestions?

trishcorsi 07/24/2014

I was able to take otc cold remedies, but I also had to stop taking my methotrexate per my rheumy. Mucinex is wonderful, keeps the mucus from settling into your lungs. Good luck hope it isn't the one going around in NoCal, it lasted for weeks. Trish

2scicrazed 07/25/2014

I'm a teacher, so I have a stockpile of OTC meds. Never had a problem taking them. Granted I've never been on more than Minocin+ prednisone for my RA. Therefore my immune system has never been highly compromised. So I get over bugs fairly fast - the rare times that I actually catch them.

If you are on mtx or a biologic, your immune system is compromised. So it may take longer to get over a bug and you are at greater risk for secondary infections. I'd go by a walk in clinic if you're sick for more than a week.

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