Information for participants

Thank you for being a part of our research. It is so wonderful you are contributing to this important study. Your involvement is very much appreciated.

We have been capturing data since 2010 and have registered more than 1,000 patients in the study.
We are different from a clinical trial, as we do not influence the treatment participants receive, but rather watch what happens when participants take the treatment that is prescribed by consultant rheumatologists.
Although these treatments have been found to be safe in clinical trials, and are prescribed by the NHS, there is still a need to monitor their impact in the long term, which is the main role of the BILAG BR.

 

Why can’t I eat certain foods?

People who are receiving biologic therapies for arthritis and related conditions are advised to avoid eating certain types of food, such as blue cheese, pâté unpasteurised milk. This is because biologic therapy affects the immune system, and avoiding these types of food lowers the risk of contracting bacterial infections such as listeria or salmonella. More information can be found on the NHS website.

Our discoveries

We’re providing an important source of data for research into lupus treatments.

Being involved in the study

Find out what’s involved in taking part in the BILAG BR study.

Withdrawing from the study

You can withdraw from the study at any time. Find out the process you need to follow.

Protecting your information

You can rest assured that the information about you and your treatment is kept very securely.

Further information and links

If you would like more information about lupus, and support for people with lupus, you may find it useful to visit the Lupus UK website.

You can also find information about lupus, including treatments for lupus, on the NHS Choices website.
If you have any questions about your medical care or treatment, please speak to a member of your hospital care team.