FraisySoir

Hello, I am new to Spain and have a UK S1, and I am in the process of registering for state healthcare cover. Does anyone out there take either Humira or Enbrel? or any other of the anti TNF treatments for RA.
Someone has told me they think these treatments only available on private prescription so would really appreciate clarification if anyone knows.
Thank you.

Rosemary

As Concierge for the Spanish section of BE I would like to say hello and welcome.

BE is a very large expat website, so if you have problems finding your way around we have concierges who will try to direct you. The moderators for the Spanish forums are Mitzyboy and Fred James, moderators are there to ensure that the site runs smoothly within the rules of BE. Problems and complaints should always be addressed to a moderador who will look into the matter and deal with it efficiently and fairly. Our members who post in the Spain Forums are friendly and helpful with a wealth of knowledge of the issues of living in Spain. At the top of the page you will find a quirkily named thread called Free Beer which is full of important and useful information. Hope you enjoy your time participating in the forums.

Please let me know if you need any further help.

Rosemary

FraisySoir

thank you

ionie

If no one can answer you then pop into a pharmacy and ask them, they will know for sure.

mrsjdr

I have glucosimine, was free but now have to pay a small amount which is less than a euro a month

rspltd

It would appear from this that they are available in Spain
http://www.news-medical.net/news/201...1/Spanish.aspx

bobd22

I was of the belief that Glucosamine was for Osteoarthritis not Rheumatoid Arthritis? be interested to see how good you find it as I am a sufferer

jennieJ

It is for osteo as it is (allegedly) supposed to rebuild cartilage round the joints. Although many GP's beg to differ and say once it's gone it's gone and nothing can rebuild it

bobd22

Yes that's what I thought. It's anti inflammatory drugs for rheumatoid they work but then you end up with stomach problems.

Rosemary

That was my understanding too but when my MIL went onto this medication she found that she was in less pain and more able to move around and she was then in her late 80´s.

Rosemary

bobd22

Interesting Rosemary, I have come across this article in searching which is also interesting re it's use for rheumatoid arthritis

http://www.dearpharmacist.com/2012/1...e-glucosamine/

jennieJ

Doesn't sound too good . I think with RA so opposed to OA you are best off sticking with what the medical professionals prescribe what with it being an auto-immune problem

Rosemary

I think that sometimes doctors tell older patients that they have RA and say that it is down to age just so that the old person has a label to explain their aches and pains. So that is probably why my MIL gained relief from the medication rather than that it might help RA.

Rosemary

jennieJ

That makes sense, also if she is aged then she will probably have a touch of OA as well and some find it does help that, I guess her RA will have been properly diagnosed by blood tests so she will have her meds for that anyway. Meds for RA are so much mor sophisticated nowadays, hopefully the OP will be able to get them in Spain easily.

bobd22

I have had joint problems for some years now, have had lots of blood tests etc which indicated inflammatory issues. I was initially put on anti inflamatories which did work but as often led to stomach problems so I don't take them now. Only long term medication I was prescribed was allopurinol which is for gout???? doesn't seem to make any difference whatsoever to be honest.