Nearly one-third of the total e-group confirmed that they have an injection kit (39 of 123 group members).   This is a disappointingly low proportion of the group; we hope that the results of our mini-survey will give others the confidence to request a prescription from their doctors.

We asked the e-group to tell us what type of injectable steroid they have been prescribed.  People’s replies told us there is close to an even split between the liquid form of hydrocortisone sodium, known as Efcortesol, and the powdered form, known as Solu-Cortef.  No one from the e-group had a Dexamethasone injection kit, which is a type often prescribed in the US.

We also asked who had prescribed the injection kit, and found that most people (more than 80%) get their injection prescription from their GP.  Less than 20% get their injection kit on a prescription from their endocrinologist. 

Some people told us that their GP now prescribes the injection kit as a repeat prescription, initially on the advice of their endocrinologist.  But more than half of those who have an injection kit raised the need for it with their GP, who arranged the prescription directly.

Almost all injection prescriptions were supplied by a commercial pharmacy of some description, from the local village chemist, to the major supermarket chains.  Less than 20% of injection prescriptions were supplied by a hospital pharmacy.