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Monitoring & safety
Pre-Biologic Screening Checklist
What to complete before starting a biologic or JAK inhibitor.
Video lesson
Key points
TB screening with an interferon-gamma release assay. Hepatitis B surface antigen, core antibody and surface antibody, and hepatitis C antibody. CBC and CMP. Review prior serious infections, malignancy, demyelinating disease, heart failure and diverticulitis history.
Practical approach
Update inactivated vaccines and give Shingrix before starting when possible. For latent TB, start preventive therapy at least 1 month before the biologic. For core antibody positive patients on rituximab, consider antiviral prophylaxis.
Pearls
Before JAK inhibitors, document cardiovascular risk, smoking and VTE history, consistent with current boxed warnings.
At a glance
Category
Monitoring & safety
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.