Anyone had the anti viral treatment?

[angiek]

I tested positive on a hospital (pre bronchoscopy admission) covid test. I rang GP to see if I still needed to do the covid test (which was mailed to me last year) in order to get the anti viral treatment. GP asked me why I was on that list. I said I had assumed it was as I am immuno -compromised after long term steroid use. As other PMR sufferers on here have received the kits. He looked at his ‘list’ and told me Prednisolone isn’t mentioned and he has no idea why I was sent the test kit for accessing anti viral medication. He is contacting the hospital to see if he can find out.

I’m confused to say the least…all I know is I didn’t put myself on a list to receive anti virals 🤷🏻‍♀️

[123-go]

If you were sent the test it's because you need it. You don't give a time scale between positive test in the hospital and today but you should have used the PCR test on diagnosis of Covid and returned it straight away.By the time your GP rings the hospital and receives a reply and gets back to you it could well be too late to test as the anti-viral meds will not be at their most effective after a time lapse of several days. If you were diagnosed very recently you should take the test now and post it straight back.

Hope this helps.

[angiek in reply to 123-go]

Thank you, yes -I came to the same conclusion just after I posted on this group- so I have just sent it off. The hospital positive test result was received yesterday from a test on Sunday, so hopefully not too late!I’m just puzzled as to why my GP didn’t think I qualified?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to angiek]

Nothing surprises me any more about what GPs know or don't know about pred, immunosuppression and Covid ...

[Longtimer in reply to PMRpro]

Quite frightening really!.....

[Longtimer in reply to angiek]

Because he doesn't sound qualified!

[Sharitone in reply to angiek]

The rules very clearly state LT use of corticosteroids. Perhaps he doesn't know that pred is one?🤣

[angiek in reply to Sharitone]

Well I’ve had the positive test result back from NHS now, wait to see if I hear anything further. Tbh I think I am past the worst of it now so probably don’t need anti virals, but I’d like to have a conversation about it.

[Sharitone in reply to angiek]

Hope you're over it soon!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Are you on any other medication?...

I received a letter from NHS a couple of days ago - stating "Your medical records currently show you might be suitable for these treatments ( i.e. anti-viral) if you have coronavirus"

.. have to say, my immediate thought was - don't be daft Ive been off Pred for 5 years, there must be a mistake..

but having thought about it and checked, apparently my blood pressure tablet albeit the lowest dose is the trigger for the letter.

[Koalajane in reply to DorsetLady]

Out of interest I am on amlodopine and lisinopril were they on the list do you know?

[angiek in reply to Koalajane]

The only one he read in relation to auto immune diseases was Rituximab.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Koalajane]

Original link (which I now cannot find) mentioned ARB and ACE inhbitors -

ACE inhibitors are anthing ending in .. "pril"

ARBs (Angiotensin receptor blockers.. are anythin ending in .."sartan"

However, just looked at BHF site and they have a study which showed both of these drugs actually helped with Covid - so I'm a bit bemused. Think I need to contact GPs just to clarify.

Amlodopine is a calcium channel blocker - not mentioned.. but as you are still on

steroids that is your trigger.

[Koalajane in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you

[angiek in reply to DorsetLady]

I am on other medications, including for blood pressure and atrial fibrillation but GP read his list and none of mine were on it?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to angiek]

Think I need to check...

[Paininthenck]

Hi

I was given the antiviral treatment after testing positive back in January. I had been sent the PCR kit through the post so I sent it off and within a few hours of positive test result they contacted me, saying I was on the vulnerable list. It all happened automatically, so you may find they contact you as they did me. My GP was not involved at all.

[angiek in reply to Paininthenck]

I think that’s the answer then…GP wasn’t involved!’ 🧐🤪

[Janann25]

Can I ask please how long it was after testing that you received the antiviral treatment. I tested positive this morning but, in hindsight, I actually had the start of Covid symptoms yesterday. I just thought it was the start of a cold but today’s test proved otherwise. I’ve been told by 119 that it could be another 24 hours before I hear from them about the suitability of this medication and am concerned that could mean I won’t get it quickly enough. I’m so sorry to bother you but it’s all very confusing and worrying.

[HeronNS in reply to Janann25]

WebMD says within five days.

[Janann25 in reply to HeronNS]

Thank you

[seamaid in reply to Janann25]

I had a PVR test sent to me and as I thought I was starting a cold used it and sent it off, the next day I was told the result was positive and within a couple of hours my main hospital telephoned me to offer me the antiviral capsules and they were sent to me by Taxi !!! as I live a good 40 mins away I was very glad I was not paying the taxi fare,

[angiek in reply to seamaid]

Now that is very good service!

[PMRrunner]

I tested positive, registered the lateral flow test and was contacted by the NHS within 24 hours about my possible suitability for antivirals. Was subsequently prescribed antivirals after a telephone call from the local hospital. GP was not involved at all. I'm on 5mg prednisolone and 15mg methotrexate.

[Pixix]

I got the test, too, & am only on 5mg, & doubt if I’m eligible for the anti virals! It was done in a hurry by central government with no input from local surgeries, & I don’t expect from hospital depts, either! So, as with the rest of the Covid stuff, like the 4th vaccine/booster, I think it will be a lottery job! Unless you are on methotrexate, when I think it will be pretty definite that you will receive it.

[jayemmemm]

I tested +ve a week ago and was offered an antiviral drip in hospital within two hours of reporting the result. I was classified as CEV and apart from being on 10mg Pred I have chronic asthma and high blood pressure. Also rather elderly so perhaps I was the ideal candidate. However, after a 40 minute phone chat with the consultant he stressed that there was no pressure on me to take the drug and he thought that my symptoms were very mild so he left the decision to me. I declined but kept the option open for a few days in case I felt worse. I'm still testing positive after eight days but have no syptoms.

[MrsNails in reply to jayemmemm]

Hope you get well soon 🍀

[jayemmemm in reply to MrsNails]

Many thanks, Mrs Nails. My best wishes to you, too.

[angiek in reply to jayemmemm]

I hope you continue to feel better, pleased that you were offered immediate support too!

[angiek]

Just to update. I did eventually get a phone call from Ipswich hospital to discuss anti virals, but it was six days after my first positive test, so it was decided that it was probably too late to be of benefit. Added to the fact that I was staring to feel better by then. I also received a phone call from my GP surgery offering me a portable ‘pulse oximeter’ but I didn’t feel I needed it. And then a third phone call offering anti virals. So I did feel taken care of in the end!

Also to add that in my circle of friends and family we are at least 75% infected over the last three weeks, yet official govt figures today say only 127,000 new infections!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to angiek]

Let's face it - the vast majority of cases have so few symptoms it doesn't even register! They are getting their herd immunity - which won't last more than a few months but hey ho. And of course, with all these massive numbers - all the opportunity in the world for a mutation to develop and it might not be so friendly.