Anti-Tnfs/Medical Records

tillytop
tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
edited 10. Jul 2011, 04:59 in Living with Arthritis archive
Afternoon peeps

Just flagging up something for those on anti-tnfs/biologics.

You might like to be aware that, because these drugs are prescribed by the hospital not by the GP, the chances are that the medical records held by your GP do not show that you are taking these drugs. This can obviously have serious implications - not least if you become ill or have an accident and someone contacts your GP for information. This came to my attention quite by accident and when I asked my GP surgery to update my records I was told that they have no way to record drugs which they don't prescribe :roll:. In the end they just put a note on my file somewhere which isn't really very satisfactory but the best they could do. So you might want to check with your GP to make sure your records are up to date.

Tillyxxx

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Interesting, Tillytop.

    I'm not on these but, ever since it was emphasised to me that, because I'm on methotrexate, I should carry my blue booklet with all details of my blood tests round with me all the time, I thought '**** that' & got one of those medical alert ID bracelets carved. Available on line, very cheap but holds all the details you need.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks tilly, I was aware of this and just presumed that everyone else would be too. Shame on me. :oops: It's a point of honour with me to tell every doc I come into contact with me that I am on meth etc - it's boring but necessary. I keep meaning to ask about a steroid card and keep forgetting. Very Freudian, methinks. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • cherrybim
    cherrybim Member Posts: 334
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Oh that's a bit strange :???:

    My prescription print out from the Doctors says:

    Cimzia etc

    DO NOT ISSUE FROM GP - HOSPITAL ONLY, ON COMPUTER FOR DRUG INTERACTION CHECKING ONLY

    (the caps are on the form, not mine)

    I have a "ticket" to keep in my purse, same as one would for have steroids and the like.
  • tillytop
    tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks Sticky, DD and Cherrybim

    Sticky - would be interested to know the name of the company who supplied the alert bracelet. Please will you let me know the details if you still have them? Thanks.

    DD - you really MUST get that steroid card! (Says she who has one but never remembers to update it :roll:)

    Cherrybim - really sounds as if your GP surgery is on the ball. If only they were all like that!

    Thanks all.

    Tilly xxx
  • Ankyspond
    Ankyspond Member Posts: 626
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi all,

    I am on Enbrel and have a card I was given to keep in my purse to alert people. I also have it written in my diary and not sure if anyone ever heard of ICOE in your mobile phone but I have the details on there as well.

    ICOE = police suggest you have this in your address list with an emergency number for someone to contact, it means 'in case of emergency', most phones have a notes section or the contact in my phone reads: ICOE (take Enbrel Anti TNF).

    Thanks for info though useful to know although my details are on my doctor and dentists records.

    Xx :smile: xx
    AS Sufferer
    Live, love and enjoy life, live each day as though it's your last!
  • tillytop
    tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for this Ankyspond.

    The ICOE thing is a great idea and I will see if I can find out if my phone has a notes section so I can add the important info.

    Thanks again - much appreciated.

    Tilly xxx
  • mp1952
    mp1952 Member Posts: 425
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for this t.illy.. I did nt know..

    Marion
  • tillytop
    tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Marion.

    Glad my post is useful. Sounds as if Cherrybim's GP has the right idea eh? Shame all GPs aren't so on the ball!

    Love Tilly xxx
  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I am not on anti tnfs but I am on methotrexate (dont have a blue book though) and I will now make a list of meds and print it out on a card size of a credit card and pop it in my purse.

    I do have ICE in my phone though.

    Thank you for this
    Juliepf x