I've asked consultants and nurses what they know about the impact of Brexit on our medication and treatment. Noone knows a thing. I'm extremely worried and would hope that the NRAS is pressuring the government in Westminster to ensure that our access to treatment remains as it is. However I read in the papers today that part of the massive programme of legislation in the process at the moment, contains plans to allow pharmacists to take decisions about medication without consulting GPs. I know that many of us are extremely sensitive to the meds we take, so this development is very concerning. At the moment, I'm just wondering what people out there are thinking about the situation and the total lack of information available. If the Prime Minister is still the patron of NRAS surely they should be using some kind of pressure? I'm not convinced this will help much, but we have to try everything with time running out.
The unforeseeable future: I've asked consultants and... - NRAS
The unforeseeable future
Our medications affect quality of life but what about Cancer patients ? I know one of my kidney medications is not in the community now its red flagged and only available from hospital so I think stockpiling is happening; it may not be striaght away that things run short but perhaps a way down the road. A huge and famous pharmacutical company recently closed in this county and their factory destroyed. I know this is a worry to many and I admit to thinking prices of food will go up too and am concerned, although think it is unlikely that any pressure group can really make a difference.
A lot of meds are time-limited so cant be stockpiled. My RA infusion rituximab comes from South Korea, through an EU trade agreement. Who knows whether I'll get that after Brexit? And cancer patients are in a terrible situation.
It’s really worrying Cathie. I’ve emailed our MP and got a reply. He’s onboard, I’m not sure if you’ve seen it x
nras.eaction.org.uk/brexit-...
Thanks I havent. I'll sign it though I'm in Scotland and I dont think the NRAS has much sway here. Its good someone is trying to do something!
I’m planning to write to our health minister, Jeane Freeman, as well as my own MP and MSP (once I get back from my hols!)
Yes I should try that. I have a lot of confidence in Jeane F, I think the biggest problem is what information they have been given.
I think you’re absolutely right there - I think our politicians probably know as much as we do!
I've signed this one too Cathie, although I'm in Edinburgh.
It us very worrying. I'm in the process of seeking approval for biologics and worry that there may be a delay due to Brexit.
Good luck with the biologics. I'm due my next round of Rituximab at the Western sometime after September. When I asked last week what they knew in the day unit they said 'nothing', that's not NHS Scotland's fault. I think they've now started to stockpile here, but not everything can be stored for a long time.
This is the information the government has issued so far.
gov.uk/guidance/businesses-...
I hope so HH, but I don't have a lot of confidence in the government right now, or the opposition.
I'm in Scotland and feel rather differently about our NHS. But we rely on trade routes coming up from England and so we risk being at the end of communication lines unless things are flown in. I just feel to be informed helps, but dont want to worry people unduly.
I certainly wouldn't ask any of them to look after a postage stamp, let alone anything important!
Thanks! I thought we ought to be talking about this!
Hi Cathie I’m in the West of Scotland and emailed my MP who said he would do whatever he could to help so we will just have to wait and see, without my Biologic it would be back to square 1 and that doesn’t bear thinking about xxx
Even if we should crash out of the EU with a no deal scenario, which I doubt will happen, I would be very surprised if the EU would block or hinder medicines etc. coming into the UK. If such a thing did happen then those responsible should hang their heads in shame! Besides there's something more important involved - it's called money!!
I dont think that's the point. Medicines are traded, without a trade deal of some kind there could be delays or inflated prices. I dont think we should dismiss what is clearly a legitimate concern. Not sure about your point about money. And its the UK leaving the EU, not the other way round, surely that points to where responsibility lies.
I'm not dismissing it at all. I'm simply saying that I think there will eventually be a deal as there's too much to loose on both sides...primarily money. If we should leave without a deal and the powers to be, whether EU or UK, allow existing trade rules to stand in the way of treating sick people who are in pain and at possible risk of dying in this country then as I previously mentioned..they should hang their heads in shame. As for inflated prices, if they do happen then this and past governments have never had a problem finding a few billion here or there when it suits them.
Fair enough. I've been reading in the Scottish press this morning about 'normalcy bias' that is a tendency to believe things will continue as normal despite what would appear to be the situation. If you depend on medication to lead something approaching a normal life, then I dont think you can think in that way.
I think it's safe to say that things will not continue as they were if we leave the EU and anyone who thinks different will be in for a surprise. Whether the bad will outweigh the good or vice versa is anyone's guess.
It's not that I'm unduly nonchalant about a med shortage, and I did ask my rheumy secretary why I was only prescribed half my normal supply of baricitinib a few weeks ago, but I'm not going to get overly concerned about the situation quite yet.
Things will eventually work out, my concern is that we have a delay, which is looking increasingly likely the way things are going. Individual suffering is of no concern to trade deals, it will take as long as it takes to get an affordable deal.
Cathie, it's not just supply, it's the manufacturing of drugs which cross borders within the EU several times before final distribution.
I was told by rheumy consultant last week that stock piling is already going on. To be honest the NHS in this country has always paid inflated prices for meds even being in the EU. You never know it might make meds more accessible and cheaper for us. I doubt very much if drug companies who make massive profits from the NHS won’t find a way to keep supplying it because it’s not in their interests not to. They want to keep their fat wallets 💷💰. It’s not something that I’m trying to stress myself about because that won’t help.
When we joined the EU in 1973 I remember being told that food prices would rocket, which they did though it was a gradual process. Now we are being told that if we leave the EU food prices will go up in price! 
Seems like we can't win whatever we do. 
BTW, how are you getting on with that olumiant?
Does anybody know if there’s going to be an issue with metoject pens? M x
I think you are so right to raise this Cathie....this is going to affect our lives immensely. We shouldn't bury our heads in the sand as we trundle aimlessly towards no deal. There is no guarantee at all that vital medication would be available should this happen. I certainly don't think that we can rely on this government to look after our interests. After all, Mrs May has financial resources that will ensure her supply of insulin. We are not all that lucky.
I have no answers, but I think people should be made aware that medicines may be unavailable, and that is fact, not scaremongering
Thanks. I dont want to worry people, but we do need to be aware for the time being. The executive orders that cover pharmacists I was referring to, would if passed, allow pharmacists to alter prescriptions without going to the GP should there be a shortage. I know that many of us react badly to unsuitable meds, including specific brands. So we need to know.
I'm assuming that NRAS monitor these discussions and would love to know what they're doing - are they preparing any advice for members?
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