How long does it take to start Biologics?

[Whezziewhoozie]

Just out of interest, how long from being told you needed biologics did it take to start them? I have been diagnosed with RA for a year and DMards but have a high DAS score and been told it’s time to start biologics which I am keen to do as getting worse. I have had all the tests and the hospital has applied for funding. How long does the process normally take? I don’t mind just want to gauge the wait I am in for! Thanks

[Stayloose]

I think it varies from one hospital to another. Some have a biologics clinic, others a virtual biologics clinic. Once you've seen whoever you need to see it should be quite quick. I hope it is for you!

[HevJ]

Hi

I think mine took just over a month (with Christmas in between and my bloods playing up). Once I had my first injection I could honestly feel a difference in the third week!

Hope you don’t have to wait too long

H

[rab1874]

I was a month but as others have said it differs from health boards to health boards

[Deniseelk]

Unfortunately, it was many many months for me but this was due to me having latent TB ( detected during the routine tests you mention). I would say it was only when I pushed for confirmation that all my tests were negative they realised that the TB results hadn’t been returned, re-tested and latent TB detected.... and it went on... I would suggest you get the results of your tests too. Would hate to imagine what would have happened if my Biosimilar had been started. I also found it was many weeks , when funding approved, for me to receive delivery of my Biosimilar and to have my nurse training. I am sure each experience is different but I know the Biosimilar is holding the disease progression and I am always thankful for being granted the medication!

[Peggypink]

I was told in May that I was going onto Amgevita and my first delivery was August roughly up to 12 weeks it took. I suppose it may depend on the area and how they work. I am happy to say that just over 2 months of starting it all my swelling and stiffness has gone down! Fingers crossed for you x

[Brushwork]

I have just started Biologic, Amgevita. I saw the Rheumatologist on 30 Sept and had my first injection on 1st November. So, for me it was 1 month. I live in the Scottish Highlands and not sure if that makes a difference.

[Artroc56]

It will be very dependent upon where in the world you live.

[Whezziewhoozie in reply to Artroc56]

I live in Richmond and West Middlesex is my local hospital

[Artroc56 in reply to Whezziewhoozie]

That will make responses more meaningful. You have to remember that this board is used by people right round the world!

[AgedCrone]

It usually depends on how often the Local Health Authority committee meet to discuss the funding and then I suppose it depends on how their budget for Biologics is looking....but not usually too long these days.

It will also depend on which drug you have been prescribed......if you are to take pills that can start as soon as funding is approved. With injections you will need to see your rheumy nurse to show how to do the injections ,& for infusions you will need to wait for a space In the clinic to get the infusions.

But it doesn’t seem to take too long these days.

Hope whatever you are prescribed does the trick!

[Tillie20]

I think it depends where you live after the hospital got blood test results I has to wait a month but Ido think it depends on where you are in the uk

[Monkeysmum]

Hi there. It took 4 months for me from rheumatologist approving to first injection: 3 month wait for appointment with biologics nurse, then a 1 month wait for nurse from Healthcare at Home to come to supervise my first injection. Hopefully yours will be quicker!

[Whezziewhoozie]

Thanks for all the comments, was just looking for a ball park figure as I get it varies depending where you are in the UK or the world.

It’s been a month but will keep calm

And carry on for a while based on people’s various experiences. Fingers crossed!

[Hessie5]

Mine didn't take long about 3 - 4 weeks. My consultant pushed for it - so his influence helped, once funding was approved. Looks like it depends where you are located.

One biologic was approved but then Llodys Pharmacy were atrocious - messed up the entire process as didn't follow through.

Good luck with it all 😌 - Hessie