Imigran itself does appear to be in short supply, but if your prescription says “Sumatriptan Injections” your pharmacy can order the Sun Pharma ones. These are often easier to use than Imigran as you do not need to load each injection, it is already to go for you. If your prescription states”Imigran Injections”ask your GP to change it as the Pharmacist has to give you exactly what is on the prescription!
Last week I tried to obtain Imigran injection refill pack for the first time only to be informed that there is a manufacturing error and not available till mid April 2018. Though reading other members experiences it appears to be an ongoing issue.
I appreciate the good advice asking GP to write on Sumatriptan Injections as a generic script so that pharmacies can provide whichever is available. I am going to try this on Friday.
Also I want aware of the Sun Pharma brand and that it is easier to use as its all in one.
Thank you for shaing and hope others find updates useful on the forum.
The chemists do have the generic version of Sumatriptan injections available, but they may need to try another wholesaler in order to get it. Sun Parma Injections are widely available.
Thanks - the two large chains were absolutely adamant that they couldn't get hold of either versions (despite one of them having done so last week). An independent chemist - perhaps with a different supply chain - has said they can get me some by tomorrow.
Hi, I have been thankfully taking imigran/ sumatriptan for many, many years however it seems now as I've been told by my go that he has to account for the cost of such prescription and as it's around £150 for 2 injections that he is no longer continuing prescribing this on a repeat basis, but prescribe tablets ? I've always relied on injections for quick and necessary pain relief,even though my clusters are now considerably few, I'm concerned that I will not have a relief if tablet meds are not effective, should I try to see about a new referral ? Has anyone else come across with a gp having to account for the cost of prescribing ???
I’m new to this, I have suffered from CH for over 10 years now, took 9 years to get GP to refer me to Nuero, I have tried numerous medication from GP over the years but nothing is working, I have headaches most days and this is starting to effect my job
SimonA - my understanding is that the recommended Drugs used to help stop individual attacks are called abortive agents or acute treatments
">abortive treatments for Cluster Headaches are Sumatriptan (in the form of injection) and Oxygen. I've found both these treatments effective (and like to have the option of both). I find some benefit to the tablets (compared to no treatment) but, in truth, they are too slow. There's a compelling argument to request the first two options (and complain to the Practice Manager of your surgery if not prescribed, whatever the cost).
Edeans - My experience is that Oxygen and Sumatriptan are effective (and should work, if you are experiencing CH). There are other (preventative) options but none that I've found particularly useful. Even with these treatments working at their best, life will be effected.
Disclaimer: not a medical practitioner ... and this is what has worked for me and/or I understand is the recommended treatment.
This is sadly something some GP’s do in an effort to save money, but they should not withhold licensed medication on the grounds of cost for a condition. To be clear, in the Doctors prescribing bible the BNF (British National Formulary) it states that the first line of abortive treatment for Cluster Headache is Sumatriptan Injections and then Oxygen! So therefore should prescribe the injections. To be fair to your GP, he possibly does not understand the nature of CH and how important it is that you have the injections and not the tablets. Have a polite word with your Practice Manager about this, and if you do not get anywhere you can then speak to the Prescriptions Advisor at your local CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group). Hang in there and quietly insist, or you could try and change GP!
Hi Rob,
Imigran itself does appear to be in short supply, but if your prescription says “Sumatriptan Injections” your pharmacy can order the Sun Pharma ones. These are often easier to use than Imigran as you do not need to load each injection, it is already to go for you. If your prescription states”Imigran Injections”ask your GP to change it as the Pharmacist has to give you exactly what is on the prescription!
hope this helps
Liz
Last week I tried to obtain Imigran injection refill pack for the first time only to be informed that there is a manufacturing error and not available till mid April 2018. Though reading other members experiences it appears to be an ongoing issue.
I appreciate the good advice asking GP to write on Sumatriptan Injections as a generic script so that pharmacies can provide whichever is available. I am going to try this on Friday.
Also I want aware of the Sun Pharma brand and that it is easier to use as its all in one.
Thank you for shaing and hope others find updates useful on the forum.
Debbie
I've been having issues acquiring Sumatriptan injections.
This has looked something like ...
Take prescription to Chemist A: "No, we can't get this at all."
Take prescription to Chemist B: "We can get the generic version."
Request a prescription from the GP. This was accidentally sent electronically to Chemist A, who managed to get hold of the medication within 24 hours.
Get a repeat prescription and take to Chemist A: "No, we can't get hold of this."
Try multiple chemists: "No, this isn't available as Imigran or generic versions." (Showing as "currently not available").
Phone the local hospital: "Yes, we have stock but it is only available on hospital prescriptions."
Any ideas? Go back to the GP and ask for for nasal Sumatriptan? (I do sometimes use tablets but they are far too slow).
The chemists do have the generic version of Sumatriptan injections available, but they may need to try another wholesaler in order to get it. Sun Parma Injections are widely available.
Thanks - the two large chains were absolutely adamant that they couldn't get hold of either versions (despite one of them having done so last week). An independent chemist - perhaps with a different supply chain - has said they can get me some by tomorrow.
I've just been given a stash of Imigran (by the pharmacist) - the GSK ones rather than the Sun Pharma ones!
Hi, I have been thankfully taking imigran/ sumatriptan for many, many years however it seems now as I've been told by my go that he has to account for the cost of such prescription and as it's around £150 for 2 injections that he is no longer continuing prescribing this on a repeat basis, but prescribe tablets ? I've always relied on injections for quick and necessary pain relief,even though my clusters are now considerably few, I'm concerned that I will not have a relief if tablet meds are not effective, should I try to see about a new referral ? Has anyone else come across with a gp having to account for the cost of prescribing ???
simon
I’m new to this, I have suffered from CH for over 10 years now, took 9 years to get GP to refer me to Nuero, I have tried numerous medication from GP over the years but nothing is working, I have headaches most days and this is starting to effect my job
B Deans
SimonA - my understanding is that the recommended Drugs used to help stop individual attacks are called abortive agents or acute treatments
">abortive treatments for Cluster Headaches are Sumatriptan (in the form of injection) and Oxygen. I've found both these treatments effective (and like to have the option of both). I find some benefit to the tablets (compared to no treatment) but, in truth, they are too slow. There's a compelling argument to request the first two options (and complain to the Practice Manager of your surgery if not prescribed, whatever the cost).
Edeans - My experience is that Oxygen and Sumatriptan are effective (and should work, if you are experiencing CH). There are other (preventative) options but none that I've found particularly useful. Even with these treatments working at their best, life will be effected.
Disclaimer: not a medical practitioner ... and this is what has worked for me and/or I understand is the recommended treatment.
Hmm. There's an oddness to that post/some autofilling. Lose the phrase "Drugs used ... acute treatments" which I didn't type.
Hi Simon,
This is sadly something some GP’s do in an effort to save money, but they should not withhold licensed medication on the grounds of cost for a condition. To be clear, in the Doctors prescribing bible the BNF (British National Formulary) it states that the first line of abortive treatment for Cluster Headache is Sumatriptan Injections and then Oxygen! So therefore should prescribe the injections. To be fair to your GP, he possibly does not understand the nature of CH and how important it is that you have the injections and not the tablets. Have a polite word with your Practice Manager about this, and if you do not get anywhere you can then speak to the Prescriptions Advisor at your local CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group). Hang in there and quietly insist, or you could try and change GP!
Liz