Is there a national biologic protocol?

[Whezziewhoozie]

Is there a national biologic/bio similar protocol?

Just wondering if there is a protocol that Heath authorities have to follow when choosing biologics or bio similars

Thanks

[medway-lady]

I don't know but it could be the local health authority. The NRAS will know so might be worth ringing them. An interesting question and I know hereabouts its case by case for approval by put forward by RA consultant but I don't who else agrees or disagrees. I do believe here its failed on 2 DMARDS one of which must be MTX.

[helixhelix]

Yes, there is an agreed pathway. It is not mandatory, so health trusts can vary but should have a reason...

Here

pathways.nice.org.uk/pathwa...

[Marionfromhappydays]

Yes as Helix as linked there is a NICE guidelines for biologic/biosimilar use.

[AgedCrone]

Read the Nice regulations..they are a good guide. But basically it seems to come down to the Consultant’s recommendation for each individual patient....but individual HAs also have different criteria. Are you having problems accessing a particular drug?

[Whezziewhoozie]

It’s just the order that they come in, I have the nice guidelines and I have failed my first biologic so I am just wondering what’s next

[Pinkypie2018]

My first one hasn't worked either unfortunately. I had a f2f yesterday and my consultant said there was just too many inflamed joints and after 6 months on imraldi it's time for a change. Next on my list it's erelzi. She told they have a list of one's they have to use first. So once I use up my imraldi injections I have to leave 6 weeks before starting the next one. But everywhere is different and have their own list. Maybe a quick call to your team and see what they suggest might put your mind at rest.

[Silverpixie]

I had 4 biologics-the fifth one worked. Trouble was it took 6 years to get there

[Paula-C]

Found the following from nras, it explains nice guidelines about being prescribed anti tnfs. Doesn't state that you have to have two consecutive das scores over 5.1 about 5 weeks apart.

nras.org.uk/resource/biolog...