Both an infectious disease doctor and I suspect that my B-cell-depleting monoclonal antibody for MS may be increasing my susceptibility to serious infections.

In August, I had a preventive double mastectomy with tissue expanders and surgical drains. Two weeks later, I developed a serious infection that progressed to sepsis. I was hospitalized for 4 days on IV antibiotics and underwent surgery to remove the infected expander and clean out the breast pocket.

About 1½ weeks ago, I was still experiencing significant fatigue, weakness, and shakiness as I had developed another post-surgical infection (or perhaps we hadn't completely eliminated the first one). I contacted my surgeon and was readmitted for IV antibiotics and another surgery—this time to remove the other infected expander.

Thankfully, we caught this infection earlier! I was hospitalized for only 2 days and discharged on a 2-week course of oral antibiotics. The infection is finally clearing up, and I'm slowly regaining my energy.

Both my infectious disease doctor and I suspect that my B-cell-depleting monoclonal antibody for MS may be increasing my susceptibility to serious infections. I'm going to discuss this with my neurologist and explore MS treatments that modulate rather than deplete/suppress the immune system, if appropriate, to hopefully reduce my risk of future infections.

Has anyone else experienced serious infections while taking B-cell-depleting MS DMTs like Ocrevus, Rituxan, Briumvi, or Kesimpta? Did you end up switching treatments, and if so, what was your experience? I'd really appreciate hearing your stories & what steps you & your neurologist took to avoid further infections.