If you are prescribed a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug(s) (DMARD) you may need to have regular blood tests. All DMARDs other than Hydroxychloroquine, require blood monitoring, your nurse will advise you of the required frequency. A shared care agreement is in place with your GP and it is their responsibility to provide you with blood forms and check your blood results.
Regular blood tests will help your doctor, nurse or pharmacist check how well your body is coping with your prescribed DMARD and will help to decide whether you can continue on your current treatment.
You will also be required to have a blood test every year, two weeks prior to your annual review; you will be sent the relevant blood forms ahead of your appointment by a member of the Connect Health team.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you attend regularly for your blood tests, if you do not, you may not be issued with a repeat prescription.
If you have any difficulty in obtaining blood tests or prescriptions, please contact Connect on 01223 603986.
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