MP's RESPONSE REGARDING WITHDRAWAL OF T3

[Lor7]

This is the response I received after sending my MP a copy of the template letter provided on here which included additional comments from me. At least she sympathises.

Dear

xxx

Thank you for contacting me recently about access to Liothyronine. I’m sorry for the delay in responding.

I sympathise profoundly with anyone who is affected by hypothyroidism and I appreciate that many people suffering from an underactive thyroid have responded positively after being prescribed Liothyronine, also known as T3, as part of their treatment.

As you may be aware, NHS England has announced a review of so-called "low value prescription items." In July 2017 a formal consultation was launched on new national guidelines which states that 18 treatments, including Liothyronine, should "generally not be prescribed" and claimed that there is "limited evidence for [the] efficacy" of the drug compared to available alternatives.

I appreciate the disappointment that will be felt my many in our constituency, and across the country, following this announcement. Indeed, an online petition calling for T3 not to be withdrawn has been signed by more than 17,000 people.

The consultation on the new national guidelines will run until 21 October 2017 and NHS England is asking patients and the wider public for their feedback on its proposals. I know that the Improve Thyroid Treatment campaign is encouraging its supporters to add their voices to the consultation.

The British Thyroid Association (BTA) has said it does not support the practice of the sudden withdrawal of Liothyronine and believes that clinical need should come before financial considerations. In December 2016, BTA issued guidance for GPs who are switching patients from Liothyronine to other alternatives, advising that this should only be done in consultation with patients and after consideration of the risks and benefits.

I hope that NHS England carefully considers the views of patients and the wider public, who have raised concerns about the withdrawal of Liothyronine, as it consults on its new national guidelines. At the General Election in June I stood on a manifesto that committed to ensuring that all NHS patients get fast access to the most effective new drugs and treatments, and insist on value-for-money agreements with pharmaceutical companies.

Thank you once again for contacting me about this important issue. I can assure you I will follow the outcome of the consultation closely and bear in mind the points you have raised.

[lynmynott Partner Thyroid UK]

Hi Lor7, Would you mind telling us which MP it was so that we can add it to our database?

[Marz]

No mention of the NHS being ripped off then ?

[Lor7 in reply to Marz]

Have replied and mentioned just that!

[marigold22]

As I have said on here previously, I've written to Jeremy Hunt, NHS England, my CCG etc etc and they all replied in a mega vague manner, quoting BTA.

[endomad]

my MP Jon Ashworth shadow health secretary has been writing on my behalf since January but gets stoned walled with 'no proof it works, its dangerous' i told him i am the proof it works, my heart was more damaged by poor treatment than t3 for the rest of my will, i was told this by close friend who is a cardiologist, my dexa scans show excellent bone health. I have told him they are doing it because of costs 8500% more expensive in UK than in France and as we are still in EU and covered by treaty of Rome the price in UK is by NHS choice/agreement.

My MP has absolutely no medical background and ill equiped to deal with this bt he is still trying.

[UrsaP]

Usual vague.. .'totally understand but have no real interest' in this response!