Is Abiraterone available before chemo on the NHS in the UK?

[Clarejb]

Hello,

Just wondered if anyone could clarify whether Aberiaterone is available before chemo on the NHS in the UK?

I am getting conflicting info on the web.

Thanks in advance

[willstain]

In short, yes it is. It may be subject to funding though.

[Clarejb in reply to willstain]

Thank you

[Apollo123]

I am paying for Abiraterone privately. It is not yet licenced for early use in the UK but can be prescribed by an oncologist privately. There are men receiving it free of charge but they were put on the original stampede trial. I am in Wales and choose it as my initial treatment but pay for it monthly. They hope it may become free next year. Hope this helps, I was diagnosed in Feb time with Gleason 9 with spread to lymph in pelvis and chest. I feel very few side effects other than tiredness and fatigue with a little muscle wastage. If you need anymore information please feel free to ask away. Anyone who is having it free not under the stampede trial please let me know as all of my enquiries have resulted in a no due to it still being unlicensed for early use.

[Goldharry133 in reply to Apollo123]

Please tell me the cost you have to pay please. Thank you.

[Apollo123 in reply to Goldharry133]

Hi sorry I haven’t been on here for a while. It’s £1500 a month. 👍

[Clarejb]

Thanks so much for your response. I've read so many positive things about the use of early Abiraterone yet I was wondering why my dad hasn't yet been offered it? He's Gleasons 8 with bone mets to pelvis and rib and has been offered chemo along with ADT.

So thank you for clearing this up, theres a lot of conflicting info on the web so its good to hear from someone who is talking from their own experience. I hope it does become available for free on the NHS soon. Glad to hear you aren't experiencing any extreme side effects and are doing well.

Have a great christmas,

All the best,

Clare