Infection Risk: What You Need to Know About Medications and Immune Threats

When you take certain medications, your body’s ability to fight off germs can drop—this is called infection risk, the chance of getting sick because your immune system is less able to respond to bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Also known as immunosuppression, it’s not just about being more likely to catch a cold—it’s about serious infections that can turn dangerous fast. Many people don’t realize that common prescriptions, from arthritis drugs to painkillers, can quietly lower your defenses.

Biologic therapy, a targeted treatment for autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, works by shutting down specific parts of your immune system. That’s great for stopping joint damage, but it also leaves you open to pneumonia, skin infections, or even tuberculosis. Same goes for drug interactions, when two or more medications combine to weaken your immune response. Take a steroid with an antibiotic? You might be setting yourself up for a fungal infection. Mix a pain med with an immune suppressant? Your body could miss early signs of an infection until it’s too late.

You’re not alone if you’re managing multiple drugs. Over 60% of adults over 65 take five or more medications—and many of them affect immunity. That’s why bringing your actual pill bottles to doctor visits isn’t just a good idea—it’s a lifesaver. It helps your provider spot hidden risks, like combining a biologic with an over-the-counter supplement that also dampens immunity. Even something as simple as grapefruit juice can interfere with how your body handles these drugs, making infection risk worse without you knowing it.

Knowing your infection risk isn’t about avoiding treatment. It’s about making smarter choices. If you’re on a biologic, ask about vaccines you should get—or avoid. If you’re on long-term steroids, watch for slow-healing cuts or unusual fevers. Track your symptoms. Keep a list of every pill, patch, or injection you use. The goal isn’t fear—it’s awareness. The posts below show real cases: how people caught infections from meds they thought were safe, how pharmacists catch dangerous combinations before they happen, and what steps you can take right now to protect yourself without giving up the treatments you need.