Question
Is it recommended to still have a ppd skin test while on these meds? I know that they can cause a false neg, but are there any reactions or problems with the meds that I am taking?
Answer
All patients starting Enbrel, Humira, Remicade, Rituxan and Orencia are recommended to have a PPD skin test for tuberculosis. This is to look for latent TB (meaning that you were exposed to TB but may not have had any symptoms). If your PPD is positive, then you should be treated for latent TB with anitbiotic medication. If you are at high risk for TB re-exposure, for example if you work in a hospital or travel overseas) then you should have a PPD test yearly when you are these medications.
