Evusheld availability in UK

[RichardGPA65yrs]

Actually, I did receive a dose of Evusheld back in January 2021 as part of the PROVENT trial when it was called AZD7442. It was a painless intramuscular injection in each buttock. Unfortunately, it only lasts for 6-12 months. I have managed to avoid Covid-19 so I am not sure that I have demonstrated that it has protected me from severe disease.

I have GPA vasculitis but now in remission on 6 monthly rituximab and off prednisolone for 9 months. I continue to shield and shop online but do eat out in pub gardens in the summer.

I am due the 24-month dose of rituximab in November 2022. My specialist says that if I don’t receive this dose that I have a 20% chance of the vasculitis returning next year, if I do receive it, I have a 10% chance of recurrence.

I have decided not to take the next dose. I would like my immunity back so that I can hopefully get my life back next year. However, if Evusheld was available I would take the November rituximab which would then give me a smaller chance of my disease returning as well as the passive immunity.

It is not available to purchase direct from Astra Zeneca for some reason (I phoned them). I would spend £800 of my savings on it if I could.

[Oldharry]

Hi. I too have contacted Astro Zenica 4 times but to no avail. I have shielded completely for 3 years and I'm desperate to get it if I could. It's a grim situation- even when I go for a walk( my only escape from the house) I have a mask under my hat and I spend the whole time on edge looking over my shoulder.

[Investigator1]

Hi Richard, Investigator1 here (Nick) a story regarding your diagnosis and treatment almost identical to mine. I am due my 24 month Rituximab in November too. The situation I find myself in is similar to yours apart from 1 thing, that is my ANCA marker is now 3.8 down from 6.7 at the 18 month stage so I have decided to have it. My Consultant thinks it will be the last one.

However:

I too desperately want my immunity back, I am fed up with getting colds that turn into something else and hand around for a month. I caught Covid in June and was given Sotrovimab (not anti viral but Monoclonal Antobody) and went through hell for a week about 10 days after the infusion.

Interestingly (and I don’t know the answer to this) it would be useful to know is there any strategy for those on Rituximab if Evusheild was available I.e. timings like the Covid Jab, because of a possible conflict? But anyway Richard, I hope it all goes well for you and please keep us posted on how it goes.

Nick

due to some kind of reaction.

[RichardGPA65yrs in reply to Investigator1]

Nick, re: timings of covid vaccine on Rituximab. Ideally covid vaccine (and other vaccines including flu) 3 weeks before first dose of RTX before B lymphocytes are wiped out (I didn’t have that option as my first dose predated the covid vaccine). Next vaccine 5 months after RTX when B lymphocytes are returning then next RTX 3-4 weeks later.

As far as Evusheld concerned should have it more than 3 weeks after covid vaccination (if only). This new mRNA bivalent vaccine (plus flu jab) is worth having with the promise of Omicron spike protein immunity. Even though we may not make many antibodies to it we do hopefully still have some T cell immunity.

[Investigator1]

thanks Richard, really helpful. I have a stinking cold at the moment and I can’t shift it. Some days you think it’s getting better and then Bang! It hits you again. Good news it’s all in my upper tract and not in my lungs. My specialist says it will be the Sotrovimab (treatment after testing positive for Covid)that is keeping everything off my lungs. It has a half life of 50 days so can be effective for up to 6 months. Take care Bud.