Tag: Infection risk

Prescriptions for antidepressants like sertraline have nearly doubled in the last decade [1.2.4]. A common concern for users is its effect on physical health, leading many to ask: **Can sertraline cause infection?** This article explores the complex relationship between this medication and the body's immune response.

Many prescription drugs can suppress the immune system, with some, like corticosteroids and chemotherapy, being deliberately designed for or known to cause this effect. This weakening can be a necessary part of treatment for certain conditions but increases the patient's risk of infection.

While steroid injections can provide potent relief from pain and inflammation, they are not suitable for everyone. Certain health conditions, medications, and circumstances dictate **who should avoid steroid injections** due to increased risks of serious complications.

According to several medical institutions, having an active infection requiring antibiotics is typically a contraindication for undergoing a nerve block. This safety measure is crucial to minimize the risk of complications, including spreading the infection or causing adverse drug interactions.

Clinical studies confirm betamethasone has potent immunosuppressive effects, which is why it effectively treats inflammatory conditions by calming an overactive immune response. The question, **Does betamethasone lower the immune system?**, is crucial for patients to understand its benefits, potential risks, and the necessity of medical supervision.

According to a 2018 study on nasal saline irrigation, 25% of samples from multi-dose bottles were found to have bacterial contamination. This raises a critical question for many users, from healthcare professionals to home-based patients: can saline solution be contaminated and what are the risks?

In a study of over 24,000 individuals on immunosuppressive therapies, the standardized incidence rate of serious respiratory infections was 1,398 per 100,000 person-years [1.6.3]. This highlights the central question: **what is the major problem resulting from the use of immunosuppressive drugs?**

For organ transplant patients, taking immunosuppressants daily for life is often necessary to prevent rejection. Given this critical requirement, it is natural to ask: **Can you be on immunosuppressants long term?** The answer is yes, but it involves a careful balance of significant benefits and managed long-term risks.

Tacrolimus is a cornerstone medication for preventing organ rejection, with 86% of kidney transplant recipients in 2011 being prescribed it upon discharge [1.5.1]. A critical question for patients is: **can tacrolimus cause fever**? The answer is yes, and it's a symptom that requires immediate medical attention.

While early concerns existed over potential risks, real-world data and improved patient monitoring show that most people tolerate biologics well, and the benefits often outweigh the risks for serious chronic diseases. Understanding how serious are biologics requires balancing their targeted therapeutic power against potential side effects.