in the early days of covid I was eligible for free lateral flow tests and covid anti viral treatments. My GP says that this no longer applies. I take the biologic Benapali and 25 mg of Methotrexate. The NICE web site indicates that those with inflammatory conditions on biologics are eligible. My GP is not very helpful and is dismissive.
Does anyone who takes Benapali and Methotrexate receive free lateral flow tests and have a letter about there eligibility?
I get free lateral flow tests on Abatacept and Methotrexate but I also have severe asthma amd type 2 diabetes. I'm not sure which of those qualifies me, sorry.
Hi, I am on methotrexate and fortnightly Imraldi (Anti TNF) injections. I asked about this at my local, large, branch of Boots, at their pharmacy and the very helpful chap said, 'yes, just bring in some evidence, i.e. letter stating what meds you are on'. I went back a few days later and took my last post appoinment summary letter and the last letter I received re Covid shielding (ie. the ending of shielding) - that letter clearly stated i was deemed to be at risk. The pharmacy assistant just filled out a form, copying down my NHS number, name etc; in fact, he barely looked at the letters I had shown him, other than to copy down the above details. He then happily handed me over a box of 5 tests.
Because of having to take several tests recently due to having a cold and having attended a family wedding, which resulted in many attenders going down with Covid, I had nearly run out of tests again. I went in to a smaller, more local to me, branch of Boots and they said they didnt give out free tests anymore to those who were deemed medically eligible. I tried at my local (large) Tescos pharmacy. They were happy to oblige, although clearly the pharmacist hadnt much experience of doing it, given that it took him a while to find the relevant form and he seemed to record more details on it (from the evidence I showed him), than the person at Boots did. In fact I got the impression it may well have been the first time he had issued one! Anyway, I think its definitely worth a try if you can get to a large branch of Boot, or if you have a big supermarket nearby which has a pharmacy in it. Just to note, afterwards I googled pharmacies that will issue free lateral flow tests for those at risk and a comprehensive list came up (interestingly though, excluding the smaller Boots branch that had told me they didnt offer that). Good luck with tracking one down - I think you should be eligible, despite what your GP told you. Sadly, I have learnt that one needs to be very pushy these days to break through some of the NHS barriers, but it is worth it!
I got free tests recently from Boots, just had to fill in A short form with some info and they gave me a box of tests. (Also on Benepali and mtx) I showed my last letter from my rheumy on my phone as evidence
Hi, yes , I’ve just had my flu and covid jab at the pharmacy and she said I qualified as I was immuno suppressed . She didn’t ask for any evidence but she can link up to the NHS portal . I’m in England , Wales may be a different matter. Good luck
afternoon
No I never got any free flow tests I had covid
I was ok but now longer take mtx couldn’t stand how it made me feel
4th covid jab
Son has covid - update 
Off topic - free lateral flow tests for general population 
Another one about LFT! sorry
COVID jab
