Private Consultation and NHS Prescription

[klr31]

Hello,

My husband gets frequent migraines and, in between, bad headaches. He has tried numerous medications (and other therapies) over the years and now wants to try one of the new Monoclonal Antibodies which are self-injectable. His surgery say these can only be prescribed by a consultant and we are aware there may be a long wait to see one on the NHS. We wonder if my husband pays privately to see a Neurologist would he then be able to have the prescription for one of these new medications on the NHS?

Thank you.

Karen & Mike

[Katiedoodle]

The starting point for private treatment is that it’s usually a private prescription. However some consultants will allow you to see them privately for all the preliminary appointments then transfer to their NHS list. 2 words of warning, you usually still have to go on the waiting list, it’s just quicker because all the initial appointments are done and expect to shell out a decent amount of money.

If it’s something your GP can prescribe after the consultants initial prescription it may be worth doing the first prescription privately then asking your GP to do the rest.

[Claire27]

I'm not sure about the answer to your exact question, but what I can say is that in London where I live almost no NHS trusts are prescribing these drugs at the moment due to funding. I have had one round of 3 monthly injections and was then told the hospital was no longer funding the treatment. My neurologist rung round some other hospitals and they were also not prescribing it. It's crazily expensive. I've gone private because it really does help me, and I'm hoping my hospital trust will be starting it up again soon - but I don't have much hope! So, it's certainly not straightforward accessing this group of drugs on the NHS.

[Francesca21]

Hi , my nhs referrals were denied due to covid ,i started to pay a private neurologist in England (not sure where you are) at end of june . Id had prophylactic beta blockers and nortriptyline for 10 years which worked well , and all the triptans. App you have to have tried at least 3 other meds before can have the cgrp inhibitors. I soent months cranking up to max dose of duloxetine and weaning off it when didnt help. Fremenuzab/ajovy was then consented but the home care delivery company were inundated and I ended up finally getting first injection on 30.10.20Unfortunately it didnt help me , I had second and 3rd injections at end of nov and dec . It was ruled out as ineffective for me.

A Cefaly machine helped my trigeminal nerve tingling and nausea but not the actual pain. If you do see a private Neuro ask to be put on nhs waiting list for botox. Ive had 2 private goes at this now and up to now no joy . Very best of luck, so debilitating.

[designer111 in reply to Francesca21]

Yes agreed with this. You have to prove you have tried at least three preventatives before you can be considered on to receive free CGRP on the NHS.

[Francesca21 in reply to designer111]

And i had to pay ! £300 per injection x 3Spent 4 k up to now and still 13 months on pain score of 4-8 constantly

[designer111 in reply to Francesca21]

Oh god sorry to hear this!

[Monroecuts]

No, the consultant can’t issue an NHS prescription only a private one. Going to a private helps to shortcut the time to an NHS prescription by how much I can’t tell you.