Blood Monitoring for Biologic Treatments - (for Pre‑filled pens or pre‑filled syringes only)
If you are taking any of these following biologic medications:
- Adalimumab (Yuflyma, Amgevita, Imraldi, Humira)
- Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia)
- Etanercept (Benepali, Enbrel, Erelzi)
- Golimumab (Simponi, Givobaz)
- Infliximab (Remsima)
- Abatacept (Orencia)
- Anakinra (Kineret)
- Ixekizumab (Taltz)
- Secukinumab (Cosentyx)
- Bimekizumab (Bimzelx)
- Ustekinumab (Wezenla)
- Guselkumab (Tremfya)
- Sarilumab (Kevzara)
- Tocilizumab (Tyenne, RoActemra)
- Baracitinib (Olumiant)
- Filgotinib
- Upadacitinib
You will need regular blood tests to monitor your treatment (these blood tests include: Full Blood Count (FBC), Liver Function Tests (LFTs), Kidney Function (U&Es), C‑reactive Protein (CRP).
Additional blood test for certain medications:
If you are taking any of the medications listed below, you will require the same blood tests as above, plus a lipid (cholesterol) profile at 3 months:
- Sarilumab (Kevzara)
- Tocilizumab (Tyenne) (RoActemra)
- Baracitinib (Olumiant)
- Filgotinib
- Upadacitinib
How often are blood tests required?
Blood tests should be carried out at the following times:
- 6 weeks after starting treatment
- A further 6 weeks later
- 3 months after that
- Every 6 months for the next 2 years
- Once yearly thereafter, provided results remain stable
If your blood results are not stable, we will contact you and may require repeat blood tests or more frequent monitoring.
✅ If you do not hear from us, your blood results are satisfactory.
If you are also taking methotrexate
If you are already on methotrexate, your blood tests are checked every 3 months. These tests are the same as those required for biologic treatments, so you do not need additional blood tests for your biologic medication.
Arranging your blood tests
It is the patient’s responsibility to ensure blood tests are completed on time.
For biologic blood tests:
- Please contact the Blood Hub on 01224 555177 to arrange an appointment
- Inform them that Rheumatology has requested your blood tests
For Methotrexate, Leflunomide or Sulfasalazine blood tests:
- These are arranged via your GP practice
- Please contact your GP surgery to book an appropriate appointment