Clinically significant liver, blood or renal toxicity due to steroid-sparing drugs is uncommon during long-term established treatment whereas minor changes are common. In this study, we have developed and validated prognostic models for predicting clinically significant toxicity during established treatment with methotrexate, thiopurines, leflunomide, 5-ASAs and sulfasalazine. It was cost-effective to increase the interval between monitoring blood tests, and this strategy was acceptable to patients and health professionals.
Blood-test monitoring strategies for patients established on immune-suppressing drugs: a mixed-methods study · Conclusions
Conclusions
Attribution. Abhishek Abhishek; Christopher Carroll; Munira Essat; Jo Leaviss; Georgina Nakafero; Amy Fuller et al. (2026). Blood-test monitoring strategies for patients established on immune-suppressing drugs: a mixed-methods study. National Institute for Health and Care Research. Copyright © 2026 Abhishek et al. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. NCBI Bookshelf NBK624374. CC BY 4.0. Original source ↗. Text reproduced from the Bookshelf XML without changing wording; figures, images and supplements are not reproduced.