A pre-peer-reviewed study shared on medRxiv on March 29 found that regular infusions of infliximab (Remicade) can make the first dose of the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines less effective. Researchers observed that patients who were receiving regular injections of infliximab, a common antibody treatment for a handful of chronic inflammatory diseases, had “poor antibody responses” after the first dose of these two vaccines.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb Remicade is commonly used to treat a range of autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s disease, plaque psoriasis, and ulcerative colitis. If you receive infusions of infliximab, you should talk with your doctor before getting the COVID vaccine. And for more on meds and the vaccine, discover The Only Medication You Should Take Before Your COVID Vaccine, Experts Say. While the first dose of the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines induced a weak immune response for many of those on infliximab, the study found that it improved after the second dose. With that in mind, patients should not delay getting their second dose of the vaccine. “Until patients receive a second vaccine dose, they should consider that they are not protected from SARS-CoV-2 infection and continue to practice enhanced physical distancing and shielding if appropriate,” the study advised. And for more issues to discuss with your physician, If You Take This Common Medication, Talk to a Doctor Before Your Vaccine. While most Remicade patients had a sufficient immune response after the second dose, that wasn’t the case for all of them. The study noted that even after a second dose, a “small subset of patients failed to mount an antibody response.” The researchers felt that “antibody testing and adapted vaccine schedules should be considered to protect these at-risk patients.” And for more up-to-date COVID news delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. The researchers noted that reduced efficacy is most likely not singular to people taking infliximab. The study hypothesizes that people prescribed other TNF inhibitors, which suppress the immune system to reduce inflammation, could also face a diminished immune response post-vaccination. Besides Remicade, other commonly prescribed TNF inhibitors include Enbrel (etanercept), Humira (adalimumab), Cimzia (certolizumab pegol), and Simponi (golimumab). Humira and Enbrel are two of the world’s top-selling medications, according to ARY News. The researchers suggested that “all patients receiving these drugs should be prioritized for optimally timed second doses.” And for more essential vaccine guidance, learn the 2 Things You Need to Stop Eating Before Your COVID Vaccine, New Study Says.
