Getting round the 28-day repeat prescription rule... Private prescriptions?

[p1an0player]

I have an issue with the 28-day limit. I'm taking amlodipine and am unhappy about having to get more supplies every 28 days. My understanding is that the main reason for the rule is that the PCT wants to save money by reducing wasted medicines.

In the past, for asthma medication, I was told to always make sure I had plenty available because if I was to run out it could be dangerous. It seems that this advice is no longer given.

Part of the problem is that I work away from home, weeks at a time, so 28 days at a time isn't enough for me.

The GP has authorised a one year repeat prescription of amlodipine, but only available in 28-day batches. If it is the PCT dictating this limit, is there any reason why my GP can't issue a private prescription for 3 or 12 months?

I realise that it might cost me more, including private consultation fee.

[BlondeHeadOn]

Do you have a chemist near you that offers a repeat prescription service? Several around here do, and I am registered with one of them.

They tend to work in one of 2 ways:

1. For infrequent/irregular repeats, you ring them and let them know when you need a replacement, and they take the repeat prescription to the docs and let you know when you can go in and pick up the drugs.

2. For regular repeats they just go and get the repeat script for you automatically and make up the drugs, you then go in and pick them up (or get someone else to).

Either way, it might help solve your problem?

:D

[p1an0player]

Do you have a chemist near you that offers a repeat prescription service? Several around here do, and I am registered with one of them.

They tend to work in one of 2 ways:

1. For infrequent/irregular repeats, you ring them and let them know when you need a replacement, and they take the repeat prescription to the docs and let you know when you can go in and pick up the drugs.

2. For regular repeats they just go and get the repeat script for you automatically and make up the drugs, you then go in and pick them up (or get someone else to).

Either way, it might help solve your problem?

:D
Thanks. This is the solution that the surgery suggested. It's still in 28-day batches though. I'd like to be able to get 3 months at a time

[feelinggood]

Are you working abroad or at home?

If abroad, at our surgery, you allowed to write 'notes' to the GP. When you know you are going away, could you ask for X amount to cover you while abroad.

If at home, can you ask for post dated scripts to cover the time away?

I've done both these with no problem, so might be worth asking.

They are for 'one off' so if you are looking for a regular 3 month supply, they might not be so accomodating.

[Mrs pbradley936]

I get 56 days supply for my blood pressure and statins tablets. I was told that was the most they could give at once. Also I can have 2 repeats without seeing anyone so that means I only have to see a doctor about once every 6 months. Actually I usually see a nurse and she recommends that the doctor issue the prescription but they always do.

[Mrs pbradley936]

If your GP cannot organise you the way my does for me then you might find that an Internet pharmacy will be cheaper than a private prescription. I live the USA for part of the year and people buy from them all the time because there is no NHS anyway Inhouse Pharmacy is a popular one. However customs might charge you on top of what the price is. If they do all that happens is the postman puts a card through the door asking you to go to the sorting office with the cash and they just hand over your medicine. Very many people in the UK do that for pet medicines because it is cheaper than going to the vet.

[p1an0player]

If your GP cannot organise you the way my does for me then you might find that an Internet pharmacy will be cheaper than a private prescription. I live the USA for part of the year and people buy from them all the time because there is no NHS anyway Inhouse Pharmacy is a popular one. However customs might charge you on top of what the price is. If they do all that happens is the postman puts a card through the door asking you to go to the sorting office with the cash and they just hand over your medicine. Very many people in the UK do that for pet medicines because it is cheaper than going to the vet.
Thanks for the recommendation - this could be the answer. $72 for 112 tablets including delivery. Their website says I don't need to send them my prescription where UK-based online pharmacies demand the prescription.

(People might object to being able to order prescription drugs online without a prescription, but in my case the Dr has prescribed the medication, it's just a matter of me wanting to obtain it more easily)

My only concern is that online pharmacies might supply counterfeit medication and I wouldn't know

[Mrs pbradley936]

Thanks for the recommendation - this could be the answer. $72 for 112 tablets including delivery. Their website says I don't need to send them my prescription where UK-based online pharmacies demand the prescription.

(People might object to being able to order prescription drugs online without a prescription, but in my case the Dr has prescribed the medication, it's just a matter of me wanting to obtain it more easily)

My only concern is that online pharmacies might supply counterfeit medication and I wouldn't know

That is not a worry with that site almost everyone I know in the USA uses it without any problem. We tend to be paranoid here because we do not use them thanks to the NHS. As for not seeing the prescription well they will tell you they are not diagnosing you just supplying what you are asking for. Again because we do not use them often we tend to be suspect.

[never enough]

Our surgery takes repeat prescriptions online which has really helped. Maybe you could suggest that yours do the same?
If I'm ever going to be away for any length of time I just ask for 2 or 3 months supply, it's never been refused.

[p1an0player]

Our surgery takes repeat prescriptions online which has really helped. Maybe you could suggest that yours do the same?
If I'm ever going to be away for any length of time I just ask for 2 or 3 months supply, it's never been refused.that's good. I can order online but can't order more than one of each item, and can't add any comments

[never enough]

Could you fax a letter to the surgery asking your doctor for a double prescription?

[Bennifred]

In the town where I live all of the GP surgeries except one will give out prescriptions for up to three months supply of regular medicines. Guess which one I belong to?:rolleyes: I'm considering changing to a different surgery, simply on cost and convenience grounds - despite the fact that I have been with the current one for over 30 years.

Maybe a diffferent surgery to your current one will give longer prescriptions?

[moneysaving pharmacist]

Thanks for the recommendation - this could be the answer. $72 for 112 tablets including delivery. Their website says I don't need to send them my prescription where UK-based online pharmacies demand the prescription.

(People might object to being able to order prescription drugs online without a prescription, but in my case the Dr has prescribed the medication, it's just a matter of me wanting to obtain it more easily)

My only concern is that online pharmacies might supply counterfeit medication and I wouldn't know

That's an expensive way of doing things - the trade cost of generic amlodipine is around £1 per 28.

PCTs can advise GPs, but they can't dictate to them. Most of the patients at my pharmacy have 28 day prescriptions, but some do have longer ones. If you explain the situation to the GP I'm sure they'll be able to accommodate you.