Why so many test

[Elaine1]

dr is putting in for funding for enbrel but why do I have to have so many test. Bloods, tb skin test, lung function test and chest X-ray

Elaine

[Hidden]

Not sure as I did not have any of those tests done for my funding.

[watson3]

H Elaine

There tests are routine test. The chest x ray is to make sure you have no lung disorders as is the lung function test.

TB is tested for latent TB to make sure you have not been exposed to TB you will also be tested for hepatitis b.

Also some areas patients need to fulfil a certain criteria before funding is released.

Hope this help.

I too am in the same situation. Possible start mine in January.

Best wishes

Carole

[Elaine1]

Thanks Carole I was getting little worried what was in this drug. At the moment I live at the hospital what with this and that. Just started to be taught how to inject myself with mxt someone with needle phobia that's not good but I did it last week OH brought me a bobble hat has a pezzs

[earthwitch]

Its really important that they do all the testing for latent Tb, and if you have it to treat and get rid of it before starting enbrel, as enbrel has been shown to trigger Tb if you have it in your system. Its also just generally a good idea to have a full range of blood tests done before you start a major new medication, then they have a baseline record of what your "normal" is to compare to later - both as a way of seeing improvement (eg in ESR or CRP) and as a way of keeping track that nothing bad is happening.

[allanah]

Hi Elaine, it's really important to do the tests as everyone has said. Have you read up on Enbrel? I have taken it and had no problems but if u look Enbrel up on the side tags it gives u lots of information about the good and said effects of the drug. I think it's good o know a bit more about what's in the drug so it helps you cope and understand the drug more fully. Good kick hope it helps u xxxxx Axx