leflunomide/eye monitoring?

[girli1111]

UPDATE: I’ve realised that the eye monitoring is because of my hydroxychloroquine…. Not the methotrexate, and not leflunomide.

hello, I have an appointment today for specialist eye monitoring. This has been done at regular intervals since I started methotrexate, HOWEVER…. I no longer take methotrexate as I’ve recently changed to leflunomide. Does anyone know if the eye monitoring is still done for leflunomide? It’s a private company that arrange the eye thing on behalf of NHS, so I doubt the person doing the monitoring will know. I will also try and contact my rheumatology sept advice line.

[sylvi]

I am on leflunomide and i am lucky in the fact i have a good optician who will always check my eyes out for me.xxxx

[girli1111 in reply to sylvi]

Thank you sylvi. So is extra eye monitoring part of the manager of leflunomide do you know?

[Boxerlady]

I was told to have extra eye scans for Hydroxychloroquin (I arrange them myself through an optician but my consultant checks that I've had them) but wasn't told to have them for Methotrexate and that has never been mentioned despite starting them both together. Another example of different areas/consultants/different approaches? 🤔

[girli1111 in reply to Boxerlady]

my mistake… I’ve realised now this related to my hydroxychloroquine which I also take! Thank you

[Bookworm55 in reply to girli1111]

Definitely carry on with eye checks while on hydroxychloroquine as I was taken off it when abnormalities were detected on my retina four years ago. Check ups since have confirmed these repaired once I stopped that drug.

[helixhelix]

The only drug I know that must be accompanied by eye monitoring is hydroxychloroquine.

But I would nevee say no to extra checks!

[girli1111 in reply to helixhelix]

ahh, now that makes sense! I’m also on hydroxychloroquine (I forget to mention it as I’ve been on it for about 20 years now I think! Thank you

[medway-lady]

I don't think so but you should check with your RA team. I took it for years but am shortsighted so see an optician anyway.

[bettif]

I’ve been in leflunomide for some years now and I’ve never been advised to have eye tests. Please post if you hear differently from your rheumatoid help line.

[girli1111 in reply to bettif]

I’ve now worked out that the eye check is to do with me also taking hydroxychloroquine

[smilelines]

I have never heard of leflunimide being hard on eyes.

[Mmrr]

I've been taking leflunomide for several years and have never had any extra eye checks.

[madme1]

Never heard of this girli1111, whilst I'm not on Leflunomide I am on Metho, just wondering if its something I should discuss with my rhuemy team.

[girli1111 in reply to madme1]

I’ve made a mistake, eye tests are to do with hydroxychloroquine that I also take, sorry for causing worry

[madme1 in reply to girli1111]

That's ok no worries, we are dealing with such a lot.

[junik53]

I have to have this extra eye screening due to diabetes,I am on MTX and have also been on Lef and was never told to get the eye screening for this. But having said that if I were you I would have it anyway as they do a scan of your eyes for free,opticians charge £10 for this service and not all of them have the equipment.

[Travelodge]

I am on leflunomide and hydroxchloroquine. I have my eyes tested every year due to being on the hydroxy.

[Green230461]

I had eye monitoring on leflunomide 🌺 was also on humira and sulphasalazine 🌻

[CyclistWithRA]

i am also on leflumomide daily and mtx weekly. But my dr never asked me to do any regular eye check ups nor i felt any eye issues. I do annual eye check ups anyways as part of the routine though.

[Carolsos]

When I was at the hospital for hdy I was advised to cut my dosage of hdy to only one tablet instead of two as have been on it for 7 years now. The hospital don't like me bring on hdy too long. I am still waiting for my consultant to send me the letter about the change.

[girli1111 in reply to Carolsos]

interesting….. I’ve been on it since I was first diagnosed, it’s never mentioned at appointments! I will ask about long term use next time I’m there