Cant get funding for etanercept, can anyone tell me h... - NRAS
Cant get funding for etanercept, can anyone tell me how they got theres if over the age of 18?
Hi Laura,
CAn I ask are you in the UK ?
I got funding in the UK by having a das score off 7.8 and 7.1 I believe to get funding in UK you need a das score of over 5 on at least two occasions.
Hi there,
I've copied below a bit of the NICE guidelines for what is recommended for NHS - but these are just guidelines so not all places follow them strictly. Hope this helps
The tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) inhibitors including etanercept are
recommended as options for the treatment of adults who have both of the following characteristics.
• Active rheumatoid arthritis as measured by disease activity score (DAS28) greater than 5.1 confirmed on at least two occasions, 1 month apart.
• Have tried out two disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), including methotrexate (unless contra-indicated). These trials should have been for at least 6 months, with 2 months at standard dose, unless significant toxicity has limited the dose or duration of treatment.
Laura
I think the ease depends on your health authority. I come under Wigan but live right on the outskirts and because I have a Manchester postcode it caused a lot of debate as to if I could have it. I do think it's the old postcode lottery once again!
Adrienne
Hi Laura, I am in Norfolk and had no trouble getting my anti tnf, but did have to have 6 months on two dmards MTX and Hydroxychlorquine as well as having a high activity score measured on two occasions a month apart.
As the Hydroxychlorquine didn't work for me and the MTX was not having the effect it should have, my consultant authorised the anti tnf. Initially I was on Humira and now on Enbrel.
Lavendar lady x
Hi Laura, I'm so sad to hear this news, it's so unfair for you, I had no trouble where I live either as luckily there isn't a 'cap' on anti-tnf funding yet.
I really hope something changes for you soon x
