Plain-English explanations of the technical terms and legislation used in this document.
- Action threshold
- The point at which a test result means something must be done, written down in advance so nobody has to decide under pressure.
- Baseline screening
- The tests done before treatment starts, to check it is safe to begin and to give a reference for later.
- Biologic
- A modern injected medicine made from living cells that blocks one specific part of the immune system.
- Cytopenia
- A low count of one of the blood cell types.
- Immunosuppressant
- A medicine that damps down the immune system, which makes infections more likely.
- Intercurrent infection
- An infection that happens while the patient is on treatment for something else.
- Live vaccine
- A vaccine containing a weakened form of a germ, which can be dangerous for someone whose immune system is suppressed.
- Neutropenia
- A low count of the white blood cells that fight infection.
- Shared care
- An arrangement where two organisations each take responsibility for agreed parts of a patient's treatment.
- Summary of product characteristics (SPC)
- The manufacturer's official document setting out how a medicine must be used and monitored.
- Teratogenic
- Capable of causing harm to an unborn baby.
- Tuberculosis reactivation
- Old, dormant tuberculosis becoming active again, a recognised risk when the immune system is suppressed.
- Yellow Card scheme
- The official way of reporting a suspected side effect of a medicine to the UK medicines regulator.