caringmum Posted January 2, 2019 Share Posted January 2, 2019 I'm very interested in this Sativex? I now it is on the NHS in Wales but sadly not here Question... Is sativex only given for MS - has anyone been prescribed it for chronic pain/ nerve damage? If it is not on the NHS in England then can it be prescribed by your GP privately as NICE says it is too dear to be cost effective Is a GP inclined to dismiss a request for Sativex as NICE says it is not cost effective! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bartman Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 @caringmum Individual Funding Request Forms need to be completed in order to receive NHS funding for medicines that have been fiscally discredited by NICE. With Sativex, it is nigh on impossible for hospital MS/Neuro and Pain Depts to complete these forms for individual patients without including other equally deserving patients that they know of. Give to one and they fear they’ll be under great pressure to give to all. Pain Consultants are more inclined to prescribe over MS Specialists is my opinion and experience. GP’s can prescribe but funding is not easy to get although possible. Private prescriptions are available from both GP’s and Consultants. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caringmum Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 @bartman Thank you for replying I new it wouldn't have been easy- just wanted to gain a little more insight into getting Sativex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bartman Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 (edited) @caringmum. No worries It is the cost that they are scared of and what NICE have based their decision on. Sativex is licensed by MHRA, proving its efficacy as a medicine. Prescription requirements for each individual is a result of self-titration after the first few months of use. If an individual requires maximum dose of 12 sprays per day. That equates to about 50 bottles per year. @ £125 per bottle, containing 90 spray per bottle - should cost around £6000 maximum to NHS per year. Problems arise when dodgy pharmacists start top loading the price of each bottle. My advice if you are serious about trying to get Sativex is to first source a local pharmacist who will supply at cost to the NHS. Get a GP on your side, it will be easier to get one who will agree to a drip feed type prescription of say 2 bottles per month maximum. If you agree to a maximum of 2 bottles per month and assure the GP that you will not pressure for any increase on that then you may find a local GP willing to prescribe. The total cost should then be no more than £3000 per year, be it NHS funded or private prescription. 2 bottles per month may not be enough to get full gain from Sativex BUT it is better than none at all. Furthermore, after a successful 12 months it may well persuade your GP to maybe increase the dosage if needed. It would also help any hospital departmental staff to complete Individual Funding Request forms on your behalf if future funding by NHS was requested. Even one bottle per month means a possible maximum titration for up to one week per month. Better than no Sativex at all is my opinion. Good Luck Edited January 3, 2019 by bartman 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rex Mundi Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 On 02/01/2019 at 6:22 AM, caringmum said: Question... Is sativex only given for MS - has anyone been prescribed it for chronic pain/ nerve damage? No, I get it for my severe spasticity, due to spinal injury/paraplegia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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