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What have I been prescribed?
You have been prescribed: space to write in the name of the medication.
This is an immunosuppressant medication which will help to reduce the excess inflammation affecting your eyes caused by an over active immune system.
What tests will I have before I start this medication?
Before you start this medication there are a few baseline tests we need to perform.
- Blood tests: This is routine to check things like your liver and kidney function to make sure these are at normal levels and there will be no concerns with how you process these new medications. We will also check your blood count. This is to ensure that the blood cells that normally help to fight infection are at a healthy range and won’t be affected by slightly suppressing this system. All of these things will be monitored continuously whilst you are on treatment.
- Chest x-rays: Sometimes people can have infections that they are unaware of such as TB. Taking immunosuppressant medication can activate these infections so it is helpful to screen you for this before we start the immunosuppression.
The chest x-ray and the baseline blood tests will be done before you start treatment. Once you start treatment, blood tests will then need to be taken at week 2, 4 and 8. You can email us on the patient helpline email [email protected] to notify us that your blood tests have been done. We will check them and let you know the results or what to do if there are any abnormal results. Once you are on a stable dose your GP may take over the prescribing and monitoring of this medication.
How often will I have follow up tests after this?
If all of these tests are normal you will then be routinely monitored every 2 months. The blood tests can be done here at the hospital or locally at your GP surgery.
It is important that you have these follow up tests regularly. If you feel you will not be able to do this for any reason please discuss it with the clinical team as this will affect the treatment options available for you.
Where can I find further information and support?
Please refer to the individual medicine information leaflet for specific information about your medicine. For more information about uveitis and its treatments you may find this website useful: Olivia’s Vision
Any further questions contact the uveitis team on [email protected]
This leaflet is intended for patients receiving care in Brighton and Hove or Haywards Heath.
The information in this leaflet is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.