Latest news in Rheumatology
Here you will find all the latest news from our Rheumatology team/department
26 October 2026
The Rheumatology advice line has changed.
You can contact the rheumatology advice on 0300 422 6412 Monday to Friday between 09.30hrs and 12.30hrs.
Calls are now answered by a support worker, who will triage your call and may book a call back with a member of the clinical team. You will be informed of the appointment time for this call-back. Please ensure that you are available to take their call.
Opening hours for the advice line are subject to staff availability and may change at short notice.
18.03.2026 - Rheumatology advice line
Due to staffing issues, the rheumatology advice line is open 10.00-13.00 on Tuesday, Wednesday 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.