NHS staff and RA: I take leflunamide for my Ra, I am... - NRAS

NRAS

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NHS staff and RA

pool0009 profile image
6 Replies

I take leflunamide for my Ra, I am well controlled and luckily in remission. Am I at more risk of covid-19 infection? I am 60 years old.

I want to carry on working but work I very close contact with blood donors. What are everyone's thoughts on this?

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pool0009 profile image
pool0009
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6 Replies
oldtimer profile image
oldtimer

According to my interpretation of the risk categories listed on rheumatogy.org, you are at increased risk but not high risk.

You might want to take extra care in the usual infection control procedures.

It isn't at all likely that a blood donor would turn up with any symptoms (they are usually a very sensible and altruistic lot!).

Your only risk would come from someone who is not feeling unwell but is developing a mild and early disease - but we have no way of knowing who those people are or how infectious they are. They are probably not very infectious as they would not be coughing or sneezing if asymptomatic.

I would think you are more at risk from the travel to and from the venue than from blood donors.

pool0009 profile image
pool0009 in reply tooldtimer

I was thinking along these lines.

Thank you

medway-lady profile image
medway-lady

I can offer something which might be helpful LEF is on the Renal list along with AZA which I take. I don't know if a different dose but I got the text as CKD with RA.

pool0009 profile image
pool0009 in reply tomedway-lady

I am on 20mg leflunamide

medway-lady profile image
medway-lady in reply topool0009

Yes but used as anti rejection drug, so and I stress I don't know but it'll most likely be with others and in high dose. You should contact your RA team if worried really. I commend you for your work and I'dd LEF for me was the magic drug brilliant but had to br taken away. My nephrologist has asked that it be reinstated for me with very very regular blood tests but then this blew up so I'll be patient and just wait.

pool0009 profile image
pool0009 in reply tomedway-lady

Not able to get through to rheumy nurse, answer machine only with an unable to call back at end. No joy with GP can't get passed receptionist, no joy with nhs 111 just told to follow GOV advice, that's why I've asked on here really, but thank you for reply.

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