I work in the nhs and have to do a self risk assessment.
Am.i classed as having any indication of immunosuppression???
I have rheumatoid arthritis. I am on sulphasalazine, folic acid, hydroxychloriquine. I recently changed from methotrexate to sulfasalazine.
I too work for the NHS and had to do a risk assessment. My understanding is that Sulphasalazine and Hydroxychloroquine do not count as immunosuppressants according to the Rheumatology Society. Our OH department actually gave a list of medications that they consider may cause some immunosuppression Methotrexate and Prednisolone were mentioned.
The BRS state the following...
Immunosuppressant medication:
Azathioprine
Leflunomide
Methotrexate (S/C injection or oral)
Mycophenolate (mycophenolate mofetil or mycophenolic acid
Ciclosporin
Tacrolimus
Sirolimus
This DOES NOT include hydroxychloroquine or Sulfaslalazine, either in combination or alone
So I’d take that to mean you are not immunosuppressed.
Is retuximab on the immunosuppressant list?
Falls under the separate Jak inhibitor/Biologics heading. When they were using a scoring system to help people identify if they should shield, SSZ and hydroxy either separately or in combination scored a 0. A single immunosuppressant, Jak or biologic scored a 1. Two immunosuppressants, or one and a Jak or a biologic being taken at the same time scored you a 2. Pred use at 20mg or above for 4 weeks or more was an instant 3: there were a few other criteria to score, but if you got 3 in total, you should shield. Rightly or wrongly, I take the higher score numbers with meds to indicate the degree of immunosuppression you’re deemed to have.
Soz I'm very confused.... I had my 2 lots (1 treatment of retuxi end march/beg apr) & have inhalers so how would you interpret my score?
Purely for the arthritis meds? A one, because you’re taking a single biologic. But then you also have to look at whether you have any comorbidities and that kind of thing. The chart has disappeared from a lot of places, but some individual NHS trusts are still using it to help patients:
wsh.nhs.uk/Services-A-Z/Rhe...
Thank you Charlie_G I received a similar chart when I had my infusion & the ward sister & nurse, then rhumy nurse agreed I was 1 (possibly 2 with asthma meds) but defo not shield. BUT I did only go out for a very short walk down street when quiet during lockdown. I received a high risk letter (on my birthday 28 may) which was the one needed for employer as not to work other than from home and that's till 30th june minimum. So again only been out 1/2 week for short walk WHEN CAN due to pain, to try help stiffness. The thought of another 6-7wks !!!, but rather be safe. X
So that's me received my letter until 1 aug (can meet up to 6 people outside from 6 july) but 5 weeks till can go shops etc while general public can go about as tho nowt happening - like a lot are now anyway. But at least we may be safer. It's just such a LONG time. Which is not helping my mental health & my r.a. is suffering so much. Even if I wanted to go out 4 exercise my joints wouldn't let me!
If you have stopped taking Mtx...check with your rheumy nurse that you should still be taking the Folic Acid.
It is not normally prescribed with SSZ & Hydroxy.
No not with these two. I also am in nhs and I take sulfasalazine but I do keep strict social distancing and avoid busy areas and always wear masks
Do I have to return to Work?
Do I have a disability or not
What do i have to do to be painfree...................
Do I have RA or not?
I do not have RA 
