Do all the anti-tnf drugs come via Healthcare at home?

[cathie]

I've just been told I'm going to have Embrel. I'm worried about more delays and uncertainty, which is all I have had this year. And some of you have told me that it can take a long time to arrive. Are any of the other anti-tnfs delivered via our local pharmacist? That happens for my diabetes medicine.

[Rosie_rabbit]

Hi Cathie, I know this doesn't answer your question about anti TNFs but I've just been set up with receiving mtx injections from H at H. The time it took from the hospital arranging it to my taking delivery of it took about 2 and half weeks. Rx

[cathie in reply to Rosie_rabbit]

Thanks R, I know I'm making a big fuss about this but it has really wrecked my life so far this year! I hope the mtx injections work. I had these but they came through my local pharmacy - I'm in Scotland so this may be different.

[earthwitch]

I wouldn't assume so - NHS Scotland can be quite different on how meds and services are actually delivered. Can you phone your rheumatology nurse or the local NHS to find out?

[cathie in reply to earthwitch]

Yes, I've heard from various people in Scotland that Healthcare at home operate here for Enbrel. (sad face). If I had a rheumatology nurse that would save a lot of problems! I just have a rather febrile consultant who phones me up breathlessly! Hope to get that sorted soon.

[Hidden]

Many are delivered to your home address, if not you may be treated on hospital Ward.

All Is dependent on the type of medicine

BOB

[sciqueen]

Cathie,

HAH deliver all the biologicals & mtx. Is whether your health care authority sign up to them.

I've had 2 different biologicals, which HAH have delivered. I collect injectable mtx from the hospital, as my health authority do not contract that out.

Joanne x

[cathie]

Thanks for this. I'll phone my local pharmacy as they're very helpful. I collected mtx from them, so fingers crossed about embrel. That would make a big difference.

[lab-lover]

My injections come via. Bupa health at home, and I have had no problems with them... I even get an hour frame the day before delivery (to north Wales)

[Sailaway]

There are a number of reasons this service is used for TNFs, one of the most basic is something to do with saving some tax on the medications (a substantial amount of money in this case). They have to arrive refrigerated, and the contract includes having access to a nurse who will come out to see you at home, and whose number you'll have for further contact if you need help or advice. As it happens, the nurse I saw last week used to be a specialist nurse at WGH with Chris, so they're experienced. I've not had a problem in the time they've been bringing me medication, and it'll be the same team that looks after you (my nurse was going on to a patient in Edinburgh after me). I had my first delivery of 4 syringes just over a week ago, and at the end of this week I'll have another 4 delivered so I'll have 6 weeks supply in the fridge - even if one delivery is completely missed in the future, I'll still have supplies for a couple of weeks. I also had a phone call today making sure that I'm going to be in on Friday, and on Thursday I'll get a text telling me the time to expect the delivery.

I hope that helps to reassure you ahead of your first delivery.

[cathie]

I've just told NRAS I can't believe the wonderful support you've all given me. This is very reassuring Sailaway, thank you so much. I'm still keeping my expectations low as delays after all this time will seem endless! Happy that they're saving some money on these expensive meds. My rheumy told me they cost £8k a year when I quizzed her about the reluctance to prescribe this!

[Hidden]

Cathie, I am in Scotland and despite my protests about having H@H deliver cos they were so poor compared to BUPA, I had no choice and things have settled down and my drugs come every month on the date we state. Try not to worry or stress about this, you will only make your RA worse. I believe the length of time really depends on your prescription reaching H@H , mine took only two weeks

Relax and breathe, it will be fine

Sal

[cathie]

Thankyou sal.

[Scottishlad]

I am in Scotland my Cimzia is delivered by BUPA, their nurse supervised my first injections and provided follow up support.

Cecil