Some medications we prescribe require you to have regular blood tests to make sure they are not causing harm.
We can refuse to issue the medicines if we do not have these results, to ensure you are safe.
The Covid pandemic has caused some changes to how often you need to be checked.
The information below provides general guidance. If your blood tests need to be more frequent, we will let you know.
- Azathioprine = Blood test at least every 6 months. But only if you have been taking for at least 12 months, and you have been taking the same dose for at least 6 weeks.
- Ciclosporin = Blood test at least every 4 weeks (unless specialist allows an extension to every 6-8 weeks). But only if you have been taking for at least 12 months, and you have been taking the same dose for at least 6 weeks.
- Leflunomide = Blood test at least every 6 months. But only if you have been taking for at least 12 months, and you have been taking the same dose for at least 6 weeks.
- Mercaptopurine = Blood test at least every 6 months. But only if you have been taking for at least 12 months, and you have been taking the same dose for at least 6 weeks.
- Methotrexate = Blood test at least every 6 months. But only if you have been taking for at least 12 months, and you have been taking the same dose for at least 6 weeks.