Latest news in Rheumatology
Here you will find all the latest news from our Rheumatology team/department
20.01.2026 - Rheumatology advice line
Due to staffing issues the rheumatology advice line is open 10.00-13.00 on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. These times are subject to change at short notice. The rheumatology advice line email service is no longer available.
20.01.2026 - Shingles (Shingrix) Vaccination
You are eligible for the shingles vaccine if you're aged 18 or over and you're at higher risk from shingles because you are prescribed a medicine that severely weakens the immune system (known as a “biologic”).
You will be need 2 doses of the shingles vaccine given between 8 weeks and 6 months apart.
Please ask your GP to provide the vaccination.
20.01.2026 - COVID booster and flu vaccines and methotrexate
There is evidence that temporarily stopping methotrexate after some vaccines allows a better response to the vaccine, leading to better protection from the vaccine.
We recommend that patients on a stable dose of methotrexate, that has not been increased in the last 6 months, and with stable disease, misses 2 doses of methotrexate after having a COVID booster and/or flu vaccine. After 2 weeks you can resume your normal dose of methotrexate.
21.10.2025 - COVID vaccinations
If you are taking any of the following medication you are eligible for a Covid booster and flu vaccination this year.
- You do not need to wait to be invited to book an appointment by your GP surgery. Vaccinations can be booked via the NHS online booking site: you need to tick YES you are eligible for a vaccine as you have a weakened immune system. You will then be able to select a venue, date and time and book an appointment. When you attend the appointment, you may be asked questions to confirm why you are eligible
- For patients on Rituximab, if you are due an infusion, it is recommended that you have your Covid vaccination at least 4 weeks before the infusion.
|
DMARDs (Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs) |
Biologics | JAK-inhibitors |
|---|---|---|
| Azathioprine | Abatacept | Baricitinib |
| Ciclosporin | Adalimumab | Filgotinib |
| Cyclophosphamide | Anakinra | Tofacitinib |
| Leflunomide | Apremilast | Upadacitinib |
| Methotrexate | Belimumab | |
| Mycophenolate | Bimzekizumab | |
| Sulfasalazine |
Certolizumab pegol |
|
| Tacrolimus | Etanercept | |
| Golimumab | ||
| Infliximab | ||
| Ixekizumab | ||
| Rituximab | ||
| Sarilumab | ||
| Secukinumab | ||
| Tocilizumab | ||
| Ustekinumab |
17.01.2025 - Sulfasalazine
We are aware that some patients are struggling to get hold of sulfasalazine EN 500mg tablets from community pharmacies.
The following suggestions may help:
- Ensure it is prescribed generically as “sulfasalazine EN tabs 500mg” (Not “Salazopyrin” or “Pfizer” brand)
- Tablets are available from AAH and Unichem - patients should enquire at their pharmacy whether they can order from these suppliers.
26.11.2024 - Tyenne
There is a shortage of Tyenne pens. Normal delivery frequencies have now resumed for existing patients but, until February/March 2025, Sciensus will only be offering new patients pre-filled syringes and not pens.