Biologic delays

[Ouchyjenna]

Hi I wonder if you could help. I stopped taking sulphazaline in July due to a reaction and I was told I was going to start Benepali instead. It took until October to have my next appointment once the Benepali was signed off. I was told at that point within 4-6 weeks I would have the delivery from health care at home and start injecting but it's now end of December. Every time I've rung the advice line I feel a little fobbed off. I wass initially told it the prescription had been faxed then I was told that the prescription was lost. I spoke to them yesterday and they have told me that healthcare at home have a backlog. Is this normal that it should take this long to start a medication. I've been struggling at work with pain levels so I'm off again and I'm desperate to start something as I'm losing all hope

[James53]

Hi

HCatH are a nightmare.

They often tell me they have no prescription for me when they do.

They won too many NHS contracts and their systems can’t cope.

Keep phoning them, keep a record and complain. Best wishes

[Neonkittie17 in reply to James53]

In all fairness to HaH they do have to wait for the scripts signing by the rheumatologist or rheumy nurse. That's happened to me but managed to get the script just in time as HaH always phone me early to arrange the delivery. Often I know the scripts have been piled up awaiting signing at rheumatology and sending to HaH.

[James53 in reply to Neonkittie17]

Yes that can be true but my Rheumy had an acknowledgment of receipt at HCH two weeks before yet they denied having it several times

[Neonkittie17 in reply to James53]

Sounds familiar as I had major issues too three years ago.

[Matilda_1922]

I started benepali in November following a review to state in October.

I had a delivery problem but came on the next day in my area. Second delivery came as planned but holding my breath as I've heard so many problems with health at home.

Good luck

Matilda x

[Neonkittie17]

Hmm sounds very familiar. 😕 No this is totally unacceptable and I had something similar three years ago which made my GP intervene. I had to wait seven weeks to get things sorted as between the hospital admin and blood tests/rheumatology there was a total break down in communication. You should not have to wait longer than three weeks really to get your med once you've had all tests needed etc by the time the hospital pharmacy found the script (lost it twice) and then HaH denied receiving the script. Absolute farce and I was bedbound/immobile, so don't go downhill any further as it's silly as you are harder to treat and it's harder for you to come back from. Please ask your GP to fax/phone the consultant. Speed it up. HaH were very lacking a few years ago but I thought they had improved? Good luck. x

[Ouchyjenna]

Thanks so much for you advice. I'm going to call the hospital again tomorrow and gp. I'm back off work again so I'm really hoping it gets sorted very soon as I really want to go back

[sparklyshazza]

spk with the rhemo team to ensure tje script has been actioned and if in agreement an im depo injection may be prescribed whilst waiting on injectjons. keep moving xxx

[Ouchyjenna]

It's all sorted now. They sent the prescription again using the emergency channels after losing the 2nd prescription. I have had my 1st injection and I'm feeling optimistic that Benepali is going to work for me and I can regain a little of my life back