Inflammatory Bowel Disease – Dr. Matt W Johnson BSc MBBS FRCP MD

COVID Vaccinations Recommended for All IBD patients

Dr Matt W Johnson — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 15:14:21 +0000

We have recently received a statement from the BSG (British Society of Gastroenterology) recommending COVID vaccinations for all IBD patients

Essentially they have made 5 recommendations

RECOMMENDATION 1: We strongly support SARS-CoV2 vaccination for patients with IBD.

RECOMMENDATION 2: The risks of SARS-CoV2 vaccination in IBD patients are anticipated to be very low.

RECOMMENDATION 3: In IBD patients taking immunosuppressive drugs, including biologics and small molecule inhibitors, the key concerns are related to the theoretical risk of sub-optimal vaccine responses rather than vaccine side effects.

RECOMMENDATION 4: We recommend that IBD patients accept whichever approved SARS-CoV2 vaccination is offered to them, in accordance with UK Department of Health and Social Care and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)

RECOMMENDATION 5: It is important that patients with IBD are offered consistent and unbiased advice. This will be disseminated through the BSG and Crohnâ€s & Colitis UK.

Click on this link to read more.

What is not so clear, is the optimal timing of the vaccinations. There has not been any specific recommendations, but locally (at the L&D) we are recommending that anyone on Biological therapy has this placed mid-way through their infusion cycle (ie. If you receive Infliximab every 2 months we would suggest you plan to have your vaccination at the 1 month mid-point). This should avoid the peak of the immunosuppressive effect, whilst also leaving a suitable gap for the vaccination to induce its desired immune response.

Advice for IBD Patients and Corona Virus (Covid 19)

Dr Matt W Johnson — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 12:13:09 +0000

I attach a link to a letter we have been sending out from the L&D to help advise and direct IBD patients on how best to minimise their risks of picking up Covid 19.

This has been based on advice and guidance from the British Society of Gastroenterology and also from Crohn’s and Colitis UK. It contains a useful self assessment advice tool for IBD patients.

Please click on the following link – IBD Corona Advice Letter

Iron Deficiency Anaemia in IBD

Dr Matt W Johnson — Sun, 31 Mar 2019 18:16:38 +0000

I have added a new video hosted on the BMJ Educational site to explain some of the local issues we have experienced with iron deficiency in inflammatory bowel disease

To view the 7minute video (click on this link) – Unfortunately, due to our industry code and ethical marketing for prescription only medicines, I have had to remove this link from public view. Heath professionals are, however, still available to watch this through the BMJ site.

At https://hosted.bmj.com/monofer – Â follow the tabs – Iron deficiency in Inflammatory Bowel Disease – then – Why treat Iron deficiency in Inflammatory Bowel Disease – then – Summary of ECCO (European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation) Guidelines

Cost of IBD Prescriptions

Dr Matt W Johnson — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 15:58:12 +0000

A recent review of 5,600 people with long-term medical conditions (including IBD) demonstrated that almost 1/3rd of all prescribed long-term therapy was not taken as recommended by their doctors (less frequently or not at all). Frequently cost was cited as the main reason for this. A prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) may be of some help in cutting down these costs. Further advice on how to organise this can be found by clicking on this link.

BBC – Living with a Stoma

Dr Matt W Johnson — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 22:49:52 +0000

This week I notice the BBC have shared 2x patient accounts of their experience of living with a stoma. Both women underwent colonic surgery; one because of cancer and the other one because of Crohn’s disease. For those unfortunate enough to need surgery, these accounts provide a useful and uplifting account of life beyond stoma formation.

How to use rectal preparations

Dr Matt W Johnson — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 22:28:48 +0000

The Dr. Falk Foundation has produced this useful short video to guide patients in how best to administer both rectal enemas and suppositories.

Just click on this link and you should be guided to it

SAGE Update – IBD-SSHAMP 2015

Dr Matt W Johnson — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 01:02:56 +0000

SSHAMP Article 2015

Shortlisted for BMJ Gastroenterology Team of the Year again for the second year running

Dr Matt W Johnson — Mon, 04 May 2015 23:17:23 +0000

We are delighted to have been shortlisted into the final 4 of the nominations for the BMJ’s 2015 Gastroenterology Team of the Year Awards

This will be the second year running we have managed to get into the final of this prestigious award

Fingers crossed, we find out who wins on Wednesday the 7th of May.

Listed in the Ambassador Magazine

Dr Matt W Johnson — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 23:06:59 +0000

Achievements of the L&D Gastroenterology Team listed in the latest Ambassador Magazine

IBD Self Management Talk

Dr Matt W Johnson — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 23:01:19 +0000

I have been asked to present our experience at the L&D with IBD patient self management at the next Dr. Falk Forum 43Â on the 14th November 2014