Re: Antibiotics for dental work

[Guest guest]

Sandy:  I believe the protocol you're talking about is that for two years after

joint replacement surgery, you must take an anti-biotic several hours in advance

of any dental procedure - even cleaning.  Apparently, during that first two

years, it is easy for bacteria that you might swallow during a dental procedure

to get to the knee, hip or whatever and cause an infection at the location of

the prosthesis.

If there is a similar requirement when you're on a biologic, no one has told me

- not the rheumy or my dentist.  And the dentist always asks what meds I'm on

every time I see him.  I've been on Enbrel for 18 months so have seen both

several times. 

 Joanna Hoelscher

[Guest guest]

I have been on Enbrel for over 6 years. It has been my miracle drug.

Nevertheless, I am careful and sensible concerning its use. If I think I am

getting sick I skip a dose. If I am sick I don't do another dose until I am

well. If I am having my teeth cleaned I just make sure it is a least 3 days

after a shot and I don't take another shot for at least another 3 days. I

had a colonoscopy a while back. I did not take a shot of Enbrel for over a

week before. My doctor swears much of this is unnecessary. I tell him he

isn't the one taking the risks. Listen to your body and your own good

sense.

" Ron " <ronevans@...>