Can NHS prescribe T3?

[cc120]

Read recently that NHS cannot prescribe T3 any longer, is that correct?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

cc120

See the last two replies (MaisieGray and SlowDragon) in this thread as they refer to your question

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Tginger]

Hi, I'm investigating this at the moment. And this is not true. They can still prescribe T3 in exceptional cases.

[knitwitty in reply to Tginger]

I am in Merseyside and I have been denied T3 despite lack of improvement on T4 alone and blood tests results showing poor conversion.

The endo has written to my GP stating that they are not allowed to prescribe due to high costs of T3 and lack of proof that it has any beneficial effect, he invited the GP to prescribe and he would monitor me!

Have spoken to the GP surgery today they are not allowed to prescribe T3 it is a "red" medication and can only be prescribed through an endo, so a bit of a catch 22 situation, they are ok with me self medicating but cannot monitor me as they have not prescribed T3, however they recognise that this is a ridiculous situation and will not kick me off their list!

I'm going to have a go at self medicating and see how it goes, I just need to ensure I can get a consistent supply of T3.

Unbelievable situation, can hardly believe it.

Good luck if you are trying to get T3 it genuinely seems to be a postcode lottery.

[Tginger in reply to knitwitty]

I'm under Nene CCG and in a some sort of similar situation. My endo wrote to my GP advising that I need T3 and that GP should be now prescribing it to me. However, the local CCG rejected the request from my GP because it is a "red" medication. Exactly the same wording! :). This is just beyond my comprehension why the clinical need in a certain medication is decided by people who haven't got a clue.

[knitwitty in reply to Tginger]

You have my sympathies, I just don't know what has gone wrong.

I did point out that the NHS should be chasing the pharmaceutical companies who have overinflated their prices, or even buy from abroad, rather than prevent and penalise the poor patients who need the medication from getting it, sadly it fell on deaf ears.

Perhaps becoming a drug addict is the way to go because they, along with alcoholics and smokers ( not that i'm suggesting they don't need help too!) seem to have access to the help they require.

[Tginger in reply to knitwitty]

"Perhaps becoming a drug addict is the way to go because they, along with alcoholics and smokers ( not that i'm suggesting they don't need help too!) seem to have access to the help they require." -- this made me laugh, good point

[MaisieGray]

No it's not correct - I am prescribed it, for instance, as are others. But there are parameters within which it is prescribed, and here are the revised guidelines from the RMOC:sps.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploa...

[Tginger in reply to MaisieGray]

Only found this updated guidance today. However, as I understand, it is not only the RMOC guidance but also local CCG guidance that defines whether you'll get it or not.

[Bramble83]

I would suggest Googling T3 and the name of your local CCG- they will likely all have a publication on whether or not it is on their red list.

I am in South Warwickshire CCG and here a GP can’t prescribe it but an endo can and their explanation is published.

southwarwickshireccg.nhs.uk...

[DaddyCool2001]

Found this in our local press from February 2019;

edp24.co.uk/news/health/nor...

[TaraJR in reply to DaddyCool2001]

DaddyCool2001 Yes Norfolk's official decision in Feb 2019 was to allow GPs to prescribe T3 after a successful initiation by an endo. In June 2018 Norfolk CCGs decided that endos could prescribe T3. However patients are still not getting it. I was also refused by me Norwich again in May 2019. Norfolk CCGs have blamed drs, and drs have blamed the CCGs for the delay. The CCGs said this week that a pathway was going to be finalised this week for endo/GP prescribing. Watch this space, and our Norfolk group will be chasing hard if it does not happen. If you are on Facebook, you might like to join us - Thyroid Support Group Norfolk.

[DaddyCool2001 in reply to TaraJR]

Thanks TaraJR, I did search for your group but must have missed it🤨

[TaraJR in reply to DaddyCool2001]

Have another search, and I'll look out for you!

[DaddyCool2001 in reply to TaraJR]

Done, just waiting for confirmation 😊

[TaraJR in reply to DaddyCool2001]

Done!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

If an NHS endocrinologist says you have clinical need for T3 the endocrinologist should prescribe initial 3-6 month trial via hospital pharmacies.

Assuming trial goes well, ongoing care and cost of prescribing is transferred to your GP

As outlined here

New NHS England Liothyronine guidelines November 2018

sps.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploa...

Your area CCG may not like it but they can NOT stop it

thyroidtrust.org/a-gp-write...

Liothyronine is not blacklisted.

Look up your CCG area here

openprescribing.net/analyse...

british-thyroid-association...

[cc120 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you very much SlowDragon.