Biologics private prescription London

Posted Wed 10 Jan 2024 10.08 by giulia93

Hello, do you know if there is a way to get biologics privately in London? My rheumatologist would like to prescribe one (Taltz for psoriatic arthritis) but I need to go through the NHS process which seems very long and I'd rather start the treatment and pay for myself in the meantime. Thanks!

Posted Wed 10 Jan 2024 16.27 by lizziep

I have no knowledge on paying for biologics privately, but I would have thought if you went to see the rheumatologist privately or another rheumatologist, then they could do that for you? I can't see any other route.

Posted Wed 10 Jan 2024 16.30 by giulia93

Thanks! Yes that is precisely right, aside that my rheumatologist doesn’t know how to prescribe biologics privately/which pharmacy to use as apparently it’s not a common occurrence in the UK..

Posted Wed 10 Jan 2024 16.33 by lizziep (edited Wed 10 Jan 2024 16.37 by lizziep)

But is for them to find out, not you, surely! I think most of us are reluctant to pay for them privately because of the large cost. Are you outside the uk normally? Because if you re in the UK, the consultant simply has to ask a colleague. If your consultant is not UK based, then I suspect you will have to see a local specialist here,

Posted Fri 12 Jan 2024 22.56 by OhNo_NotAgain?

I would expect any medical professional registered to work in the UK would know how to issue a private prescription or have a colleague or professional links to someone who can do so. I would not be surprised if biologics are not prescribed privately very often owing to the costs.

Posted Sat 13 Jan 2024 23.26 by CBMan

I agree with OhNo_NotAgain. If you saw a private rheumatologist and gave them your full history they might be prepared to issue you with a private prescription for a biologic. Finding a pharmacy that could fill the prescription would be another problem. I don't imagine there are many/any that stock it, but there may be a few who could source it if necessary. The cost is pretty high though. I've never heard what the UK private cost of biologics is, but presumably you would pay somewhat more than the NHS pays (given their bulk discount). So on a bio-similar product I'd guess somewhere £6,000 and £10,000 per annum.

Posted Sun 14 Jan 2024 12.53 by lizziep

and obviously it isn't just the cost of the prescription but all the bloods and monitoring then have to be done privately too.

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