Just a quick update:  Thank you all for your support to help us improve clozapine use in the UK.  Unfortunately we are still yet to hear back from MHRA but we are continuing to press for a response to their ongoing review.  

The Angry Moms and speakers at the FDA committee meeting held recently were amazing speaking on behalf of patients and careers, which resulted in a 14 to 1 vote to end the clozapine REMS in the USA, FDA Panellist Vote  We are requesting that a similar review meeting is held in the UK.    

Improving clozapine use could not only save lives but save NHS England £££££££££.  The gold standard antipsychotic is rarely prescribed due to incorrect fears, stigma, lack of training, education and support.  

• In the UK an estimated 1% of the population (500,000) people will receive a diagnosis of schizophrenia
• Between 20 to 30% (approx. 150,000 people) of patients with schizophrenia are described as ‘treatment resistant’ meaning they have failed 2 antipsychotics
• Clozapine is the only medication licensed for treatment resistant schizophrenia and is regarded as the ‘Gold Standard’.
• But only 37,000 people are being prescribed clozapine currently in the UK
• Meaning 113,000 people with treatment resistant schizophrenia are left suffering but could benefit from being prescribed this life saving medication.
• The NHS spends £12.8 billion a year on mental health services, with schizophrenia consuming approximately 30% of NHS spending on adult mental health, £3.84 billion is spent annually on schizophrenic care.
• The safe and proper utilisation of clozapine for TRS offers us an opportunity to not only improve clinical outcomes but to simultaneously reduce costs for the health service, families, carers, and patients.  Please see link to article by David Kitchen to find out more information Clozapine Missed Opportunities 

Thank you for your continued support, if you are able to re share our campaign to raise awareness we would be most grateful.  

Clozapine Support Group UK