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...

2,179 Members
16,355 Posts
0 Online
Muscles & Bones
/ Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

TB

mlgore
mlgore

I tested positive for tb in two blood tests last week, now i have to stop enbrell and start with and infection disease doctor.  it is so discouraging.  I am not contagious, but it could go active at any time without treatment.  Enbrell is the only med that has worked for me.


Anyone have experience with ra and tb


MarleneJ
MarleneJ
My daughter had a friend with lupus, and she tested positive for latent TB. She decided to not do the treatments and lives on aspirin. I feel very sorry for her. She is in pain, and her organs are being destroyed by both the lupus and the aspirin.

I would agree this is a very discouraging time for you, especially if Enbrel was starting to work. But, these biologics can somehow activate latent TB. As hard as it is, you probably should do the treatments, even though I understand it can take up to a year.

So sorry this is happening to y0u, and do listen to your doctors!
californialynn
californialynn
I have had latent TB since 1955, that I am aware of.

If you are under age 50, get started on the isonazid treatment. Then, in a few weeks you should be able to resume the Enbrel.

If you are over age 50-55, you may be able to stay on the Enbrel