No blood checks when collecting mxt from pharmacy.

Just a quick question. When I was first diagnosed with RA the hospital pharmacy insisted on my blood test results before dispensing mxt. Now i collect it from my local chemist they never ask, when i asked them if they wanted to look at my last results they just say if you want me to, then they just glance and say ok. I never get a steroid card from them either like use to from hospital. When I asked them I was told they could give me a label if wanted. Nothing seems to be going by the leaflet I was given by my consultant about mxt or RA.

[charisma]

For MTX, it is two weekly blood tests when just starting; so every two weeks for the first six weeks. Then different parts of the UK seem to vary a little but I got monthly tests.

MTX should not be on repeat prescription as blood work must be checked by your doctor first.

If your results are good, you will get a prescription.

This keeps an eye on kidney and liver function, white blood cell count etc etc.

If you have been on MTX for long enough, you only need a blood test (policy here was changed to fewer tests about two years ago) every three months.

Hope that helps!

[Hidden in reply to charisma]

Thanks for the info. Yes I'm just starting my 3 monthly blood tests, had my last one in May, although I'm still having trouble getting my GP to take over my care from the hospital. I should have had a test mid August but due to the problems and confusion I've had to book one myself beginning of September. My GP is denying that they have received my referral from hospital. I'm sure eventually it will get sorted if i persevere.

[charisma in reply to Hidden]

Usual procedure is to share the care of RA/RD people. Rheumatologists here send my GP a letter detailing latest review findings, recommendations and drugs plus when to be reviewed again.

I always make my blood test appointments direct at GP premises, with one of the practice nurses.

And I usually find that the Rheumatology Dept ie advice line, gives far more detailed attention to slight changes that indicate stopping for a week or so.

The emphasis is on shared management and self management of the disease.

I could not continue on a high enough dose of MTX for disease control, due to white cell counts dropping. So I was eventually taken off it.

I hope it suits you better.

[helixhelix]

The more important question is does whoever is writing your prescription have the blood test results?

And if you are on a significant dose of steroids then just print a card off from internet? It would be nice if everything worked as it should, but it doesn’t sadly. So for small things I now don’t fret and just sort it myself.

[Hidden in reply to helixhelix]

I have to go to one of the receptionists who deals with prescriptions. I think she must pass it on to the doctor, don't know which GP though has no one seems to want to take responsibility for me at the moment.

[Paula-C]

I was told that who ever writes your prescription they should check that your bloods are up to date. I was also told that the pharmacist making up the prescription should also ask to see your monitoring booklet as well, sort of a double check. When I was taking mtx orally, I was only asked once by a pharmacist for my monitoring booklet.

[Hidden in reply to Paula-C]

I was told the same thing but sadly nothing is moving smoothly at the moment.

[Hidden]

As I'm housebound, the district nurse comes to take my blood tests and BP every 6 weeks. My GP and the hospital both get my results. My MTX is on a repeat prescription along with all my other drugs. I assume that as my reults are seen by both parties, they would contact each other if my results are queried and either change - or stop my MTX from being sent to me.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

My GP told me he couldn't see hospital test results on his computer only ones he had requested. Seems strange to me as I know they have access to the NHS ice computer system.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

My GP has that problem if the tests are done at the hospital, as my GP comes under a different NHS area to that of the hospital. But all samples are sent to the hospital for testing, so results are always available for the hospital wherever the samples are sent from - very confusing.

[TheBoys]

I see it all as being a bit more hit and miss. I see disconnect in dealing with consultant, GP and Pharmacist. My Consultant will not see me now for four months or probably jan 2020. Phar.Pharmacist and GP do their own thing.. and thankfully i will chivvy them along.

[Hidden in reply to TheBoys]

Think that's what I'm going to have to do, keep my eye on the ball because no one else seems to be bothered.

[TheBoys in reply to Hidden]

Thats prb the best way

[HappykindaGal]

I’ve never had to. I have a blood test monthlyish at the docs. Order my meds online and collect from pharmacy. Sometimes if I forget the blood test, the surgery calls to remind me. Isn’t it funny how it seems to be different across the country.

[Hidden in reply to HappykindaGal]

Yes it is funny, it would be interesting to know what parts of the country people come from. I'm in South Yorkshire.

[HappykindaGal in reply to Hidden]

I'm in Norfolk - the rheumy department at the hospital is fantastic. Think I'm fortunate

[Pulfs]

Hi I'm under Royal Berks Hospital and on the Dawn program for my bloods. Taken at Drs monthly and both the RA team and Dr can see the results. I've had phone calls from both the hospital and the Drs when my results are not correct and they advise to stop methotrexate for 2wks then resume. I too order my methotrexate online with repeat prescription from Drs and collect from chemist. No problem doing this x

[Hidden in reply to Pulfs]

Just wondered if there was a North - South divide in healthcare. Seems that this may be the case, I was messaging someone on this site who was having problems also and she was in the Northeast.

[Pulfs]

One thing that seems a common problem is lack of rheumatologist, quite often my appointments are being rearranged so sometimes it can be more than the 6mths that are needed to monitor me for my next biological infusions, when this happens I call the specialist nurse and ask her to sort it

That's the problem with central booking they don't know what's needed for each person just look at the appointments in the system. X

[Hidden]

The lack of all consultants is a problem. When I was working, we had a problem getting radiologists. My first 2 appointments with rheumy were ok until she retired then a locum took over, a nightmare since.

[LD1954]

You should have had your bloods checked prior to starting methotrexate. Once you start it blood tests are usually done at 2, 4, 8 week intervals and then every two months thereafter....