uk biologics deliveries in 2024

[Huguen]

Hi there good people,

Just a quick question for those of you who take monthly biologics injections. I take 50mg Simponi for AS.

How many injections are provided in each delivery (in the UK) these days?

I'm living outside the UK looking at returning. When I left in 2019 the system was (from memory) 3 pens delivered 4 times a year. Is that still the situation?

Thanks in advance,

Huguen.

[Zip1]

Hi, I’m not on the same biologic as you but I get 3 months supply delivered each time! Hopefully it will be the same for you!

[Huguen in reply to Zip1]

Thanks I think it looks likely mine would be the same as you. Cheers for getting back to me. 😊

[mario62 in reply to Huguen]

Hi injec benepali every Monday my medication is 8 pens every 4 week

[Chester1975]

I am on adalimumab and I receive two pens for a month taken every two weeks. Xx

[TheDocProf]

I am on adalimumab which I take once every 2 weeks. I get 4 pens delivered every 2 months.

[Huguen]

Here in Ireland it's 1 pen each month, collection no sooner than 7 days before injection day, from your nominated pharmacy.

To have more than 1 at a time you would think you'd asked to borrow the crown jewels! You have to supply travel dates and a letter from employer.

Thanks for replies 🙂

[JulieAndrea]

I take Cimzia and inject every two weeks. Sometimes I receive 1 months supply and sometimes 3. Whatever takes the hospital’s fancy as there seems to be no reason for it.

[Huguen in reply to JulieAndrea]

Yes, here in Ireland I've been told all different things about what to expect about my simponi supply, half of which turn out to be inaccurate.

I don't know about you, but I find the randomness of getting the meds very stressful and frustrating... I'm sure lots of the medical staff mean well but I sometimes feel nobody realises how restrictive being on these meds are...

[Leics]

I’m on abatacept and I get my meds every month. I have to inject every week so get 4 pens at a time. I’m lucky the delivery system seems to work well they always ensure I have 2 pens instock, so I haven’t ran out yet. I’m not sure what I’m going to do when I go to stay at my daughters whilst she goes away for 3 weeks honeymoon but hopefully I can sort it out 🤞.

[Deeb1764 in reply to Leics]

I am the same 4 at a time and seem to get next delivery when down to last 2

[oldtimer2]

It does depend on where you are and the local arrangements for supply.

Here (in Wales), I ask for a prescrition via the rheumatology secretary four weeks before I need it. The prescription is sent through the post (usually takes a week), I take it to the pharmacy that I use and who has set up an order with the supplier. They order it for me and it usually arrives a week later. I get eight weeks supply of weekly injections to keep in the fridge which I collect with a cool bag.

I need to be organised to ensure that I don't run out, but this system seems to work better that some other systems I have read about.

[Lisamac7414]

Hi I'm in the uk and on Simponi, and get 2 pens every other month.

[Huguen in reply to Lisamac7414]

Just to confirm you're on monthly simponi and get 2 injections delivered every 8 weeks? That's interesting especially given the earlier reply... hmmm I guess I'd need to check with my local rheumatology department to be sure. Thanks for your reply 👍 🙂

[seronegativeRa]

When I was on Amgevita, I had 2 injections delivered at any one time, and I’d have a new delivery when I got down to 2 (2 are a 1 month supply). I’m now on Yuflyma, and I have had 6 for my first delivery (3 months), not has a refill yet, so not sure how often, and how many injections I’ll get down to before the next delivery.

[bpeal1]

I think this question is probably similar to the question ‘how long is a piece of string?’. It will depend on which company your rheumatology department uses to fulfil the prescription and their agreement with them.

[Runrig01]

I get 3 month deliveries, although for a period it was every other month, due to supply issues. I’m always encouraged to book my slot as soon as I’ve received the latest delivery. They keep nagging till you book 😂

[Huguen]

Thanks all for your input. My takeaway from these different answers is that it varies slightly from trust to trust so for a definitive answer I need to ask the local rheumatology department closest to where I move back to.

Seasons greetings to you all and thanks again for your time.

Huguen