Oral antibiotic (tablet) blood testing

Antibiotics like Linezolid and Co‑trimoxazole can cause side effects. This can happen when taken for longer than two weeks.

Regular blood tests and check in’s help to find problems early.

Who manages my care?

The Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) team

The OPAT team look after all COPAT patients.

What they do:

• Take blood tests and check the result. (Blood tests are sometimes required once a week. They can be needed more if results are not as expected or if you become unwell)
• Check for any side effects.
• Look after your care whilst you are on antibiotic treatment.
• Work closely with the CIVAS team.

Community Intravenous Administration Service (CIVAS) team

What they do:

• Offer home visits for people who can’t always attend appointments in person.
• During these visits, CIVAS take blood tests as requested by the OPAT team.

What is the COPAT clinic?

The COPAT clinic will look after you whilst you are taking monitored oral antibiotics. Your first appointment is normally face‑to‑face at Union House, St James’ Hospital.

At this appointment we will:

• take baseline blood tests
• check your tablet supply
• discuss possible side effects

Most patients are reviewed weekly by phone to discuss symptoms and blood test results.

Benefits of oral antibiotics

• Might mean you don’t need antibiotics in your vein (drip)
• Allows treatment at home rather than in hospital
• No cannula or line required

Risks of oral antibiotics

• Side effects or blood test abnormalities may occur
• Issues will be managed as an outpatient
• Sometimes hospital admission might be needed
• Bad allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are rare but serious

Medicine information

Some drugs can interact with antibiotics. Please tell the OPAT team about all medications you are taking. Along with any new medicines started during treatment.

Antibiotic supply

The hospital will give you your tablets. Contact the OPAT team if you think you do not have enough tablets.

Side effects to be aware of

Medication: Linezolid

Some common side effects are:

• Anaemia (low red blood cells) or low platelets.
• Trouble with going to the toilet, for example, loose or unable to go
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rash
• Altered taste

Call 0113 206 6250 or 0791 709 1155 if you have any of the below:

• Your eyesight changes
• Nerve symptoms (pain, tingling or numbness)
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Higher risk of infection

Medication: Co‑trimoxazole

Some common side effects are:

• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Nausea
• Rash or thrush
• Changes in blood salts

Call 0113 206 6250 or 0791 709 1155 if you have any of the below:

• Kidney problems
• Low blood sugar
• Low white blood cells (increased risk of infection)
• Sensitivity to sunlight

Do not stop your antibiotics unless advised by the OPAT team.

Where can I have my blood tests taken?

• St James’ Hospital (Chancellor Wing, Lincoln Wing, Bexley Wing)
• Leeds General Infirmary (Brotherton Wing)
• Chapel Allerton Hospital
• Seacroft Hospital
• Wharfedale Hospital
• Your GP surgery

Let us know if you are housebound. The CIVAS team might be able to see you at home.

Allergic reactions to medicines

If you get swelling of the lips or tongue, wheezing, or struggle to breathe. This could be an allergic reaction. Call 999

If you feel unwell or need advice contact:

The OPAT Team

• Phone: 0113 206 6250 or 07917 091155
• Available: 8am to 5pm, 7 days a week
• Out of hours (5pm to 8am): Ward J20, call 0113 206 9120
• Emergency: Call 999

Call if you have any concerns, side effects or questions about your tablets.

Completing your treatment

You care will stop with the OPAT service when your treatment is complete. Your care will also stop if you stop taking your antibiotics.