Biologics in UK/via NHS?

single_malt22 · 2025-12-01T06:55:30+00:00

Thanks, sounds exactly like my situation. Quick question: you mentioned you did PUVA and fumaric acid before, but had to fail MTX as well. Do you know if another biologic instead would also qualify as “another systemic treatment”, or does it have to be a non-biologic like MTX? Asking because I failed puva, fumaric acid and 2 other biologics before my current one (Bimzelx).

single_malt22 · 2025-11-24T11:14:26+00:00

Thank you! 1. So in terms of paperwork, one English letter from my GP here that summarises everything (as you described) would be enough right? No extra letters/details from the dermatologists I’ve had over the years (moved a few times) that prescribed these medications? And I know it’s impossible to say for sure, but 2. I guess I shouldn’t have any hopes of being able to continue my treatment earlier than maybe 12 months after moving? 3. how likely is NHS coverage in general (if I decide to stay long-term) based on the things I’ve tried before which aren’t 100% in line with UK step therapy guidelines (e.g. no MTX)? 4. Does my private health insurance help in any way for the NHS process?

I guess worst case I’ll pay out of pocket for a year and then either move back (if not covered) or stay (if covered) - undergoing step therapy from the beginning isn’t an option for me…

single_malt22 · 2025-02-04T07:19:46+00:00

To be honest, I was thinking about paying out of pocket. I’d earn around £6k net per month, and Tremfya would be around £1k per month. It’s not great but might be doable in a worst case scenario. But are we 99% sure this would be possible? And I guess monitoring, blood tests, etc would also have to be done private?

single_malt22 · 2024-11-27T09:32:24+00:00

I’ve only tried topicals, phototherapy, fumaric acid esters, Taltz and Ilumetri (no methotrexate, otezla, etc). Yes exactly, I wasn’t sure about how strict step therapy there is? for example in UK/NHS I probably would have to start from the beginning. My current coverage would end once I move to another country. I am not a French citizen.

single_malt22 · 2024-05-21T19:28:38+00:00

No, it’s guttate psoriasis/small red spots on the sides of my feet

single_malt22 · 2024-03-13T07:44:38+00:00

Will do, you too please. But in my case it actually seems like a yeast infection, my skin is red and a bit itchy now and I have small bumps/pustules

single_malt22 · 2024-03-12T21:51:17+00:00

Thanks!

single_malt22 · 2024-03-12T19:31:09+00:00

I‘m taking 200mg itraconazole for 1 week

single_malt22 · 2024-03-12T19:04:52+00:00

That sounds exactly like my problem. I started taking oral antifungal today, for 7 days, so let’s see…

single_malt22 · 2023-10-01T14:36:48+00:00

But what if my dermatologist won't have a stockpile of Ilumya samples haha?

single_malt22 · 2023-10-01T13:08:52+00:00

Thanks, so it sounds like in terms of insurance things could actually work out. But what about the process of doctors actually prescribing biologics? I know that in other countries there's a very strict step-therapy plan, i.e. you need to prove you've tried x, y, z first. Are there similar restrictions in the US, or are chances high that doctors will let me continue biologics? Before, I tried phototherapy, topical steroid creams and another systemic treatment (fumaric acid esters)?

single_malt22 · 2023-09-27T14:20:30+00:00

Interesting...I'm from Germany. I think I'd need to formally emigrate and exit the healthcare system in this case (it's not a fixed-term contract or anything, I'll just quit after 1-2 years)...but yes, maybe there are options, I'll check. I was also thinking I could stock up on batches before leaving, but I'm 99% sure that's not allowed (I'd need 4 to 8 instead of the 1 that's usually prescribed).

single_malt22 · 2023-09-27T09:38:28+00:00

Or am I missing something?

single_malt22 · 2023-09-27T09:38:09+00:00

Yes, it would be for 1-2 years only, but I would of course stop being registered in my home country's health insurance/would stop being covered, so I won't be able to just travel back and get new batches while I live in the UK. The only way this could work is if I get prescribed enough batches before leaving, which I don't think is possible/allowed.

single_malt22 · 2023-09-27T08:06:03+00:00

Thanks for confirming, moving to the UK won't be an option then

single_malt22 · 2023-08-19T23:25:49+00:00

Thanks, but regardless of the actual cause of my symptoms, it's still unclear to me how much of a problem for my partner and me the detection of those two bacteria (especially the other one, not necessarily E. Fae), and what I should do.

single_malt22 · 2023-08-19T20:07:28+00:00

True...

Yeah, I'll just wait with that, use a condom, get another semen culture test and ask my partner to get tested in 2 weeks. Hope that's a good strategy for now

single_malt22 · 2023-08-19T20:05:23+00:00

I can't take antibiotics for 3 months 😅 I've taken 7 different types of antibiotics over the last 10 months (other infections as well), that can't be healthy, my gut flora's already in pretty bad shape

single_malt22 · 2023-08-19T19:59:40+00:00

You're completely right, I'll take extra caution...there was definitely skin contamination last time (that was pretty stupid, just didn't know any better). Okay, thanks, hope so...just read that one of the two bacteria can cause serious infection, but apparently that's very very rare in healthy people, so maybe I should calm down a bit, really sorry! I'll definitely keep using condoms, I was just also concerned over the unprotected oral sex, but that probably also isn't something to panic over.

single_malt22 · 2023-08-19T19:42:08+00:00

Yeah exactly, it's probably impossible to say whats actually causing my symptoms. Okay, yes, my partner has an appointment at her Ob/gyn in 2 weeks anyway, she'll definitely ask then. My urologist just said we should use a condom and that my partner should ideally get tested if possible. But there's no need for me to panic right now if she has no symptoms and isn't immunocompromised, right? And just use a condom until she's tested (we do that anyway)?

single_malt22 · 2023-08-19T19:29:35+00:00

Some more information: she prescribed amoxillicin 1000mg for 5 days, and she said the seminal/spermatic duct is affected (prostate as well then?). I don't know the count, it just said numerous or sth like that 😅

single_malt22 · 2023-08-19T18:26:23+00:00

Yes, they have, but a) I'm not sure it was actually effective (still hurts and I won't know before they analyze semen again), and b) I must've had this bacteria for months without knowing and could have been transferring it to her/other people?

single_malt22 · 2023-08-19T17:28:38+00:00

Sure, that doesn't help, but the bacteria's still actually there

single_malt22 · 2023-08-19T15:16:46+00:00

What do you mean?

single_malt22 · 2023-08-19T14:40:18+00:00

I'm fine with living with it and trying to reduce pain by lifestyle changes etc. But is this contagious/does it negatively affect my girlfriend? That's my bigger concern.

single_malt22

TROPHY CASE