free medicines(including INFACOl,Sudocrem,calgel,calpol) at your chemist

lucylou

Hi, I just wanted to let you know since I have been on maternity leave my health visitor has told me about this new scheme.It's called MINOR AILMENT SCHEME I know it runs in Scotland, not sure if in all the uk.You can get free medicines even for children and these include Sudocrem,infacol,calgel,calpol and many other childrens' medicines
.you can find more information here http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/06/26102829/1

or go to your chemist and ask about the scheme.We saved a lot of money as my baby was very colicky so we got infacol for free.:beer:

Dizie

I tried this in the chemist in our village (England) when I was pregnant. I had really, really bad heartburn and was in a lot of discomfort. I went to the pharmacist and he said I could take gaviscon, I asked about the minor ailment scheme (as there were signs up in the shop) and he said it didn't apply to certain brands - including gaviscon - and that there wasn't a generic alternative he could give me. I paid for it, then saw my GP the following week and got it on prescription.

I went in again with my baby when he a temperature and the pharmacist said to use calpol (I knew that but was trying to get some on this scheme) and he said again it didn't apply!

Has anyone in England had any sucess with this scheme? I'm not out for freebies per-se but just can't see an example where its actually worked.

lucylou

hi,sorry to hear about your problems with that chemist.have you tried another chemist?the one in our small village always tries to find an alternative, but checks before if it's possible to get the branded ones.

carlamagee

Dizie wrote: »

I tried this in the chemist in our village (England) when I was pregnant. I had really, really bad heartburn and was in a lot of discomfort. I went to the pharmacist and he said I could take gaviscon, I asked about the minor ailment scheme (as there were signs up in the shop) and he said it didn't apply to certain brands - including gaviscon - and that there wasn't a generic alternative he could give me. I paid for it, then saw my GP the following week and got it on prescription.

I went in again with my baby when he a temperature and the pharmacist said to use calpol (I knew that but was trying to get some on this scheme) and he said again it didn't apply!

Has anyone in England had any sucess with this scheme? I'm not out for freebies per-se but just can't see an example where its actually worked.

im in northern ireland -- but have used the minor ailments a couple of times. one chemist i went wouldnt give me calpol on it, but when i was out of my local area and went into a different chemist and asked if it was possible i was bale to get it......coulld be down to the chemist!??

money_maker_3

I vouch for different chemists having different rules. I'm in N Ireland too and one is happy to give most things for adults and kids, but others are very limited in what they will prescribe.
ie. I got canesten (I'm pregnant and in desparate need!!) and was given calpol for my DD in one, but the other wouldnt give me anything at all as she could not be responsible for any alergic reations my DD may have !!!!

immy

i've used the minor ailment scheme several times in relation to my young one, never had any problems, we live in scotland. is convenient because you don't have to wait days to be seen by gp and it's free if you're exempt from paying for prescriptions.

i've had calpol, nurofen, and sudocrem for my wee one and never had any problems.

Krystaltips

I've not needed to... At our Drs you can generally request a prescription for minor things without seeing the Dr at all...

HelenKA_2

I've used the minor ailments a lot and it is really helpful but not for saving money as you could get the bits I've needed on prescription anyway, it just saves a lot of time.

But you can't just go into any old chemist. You have to register at one (obviously the most convenient to you) who then hold your details. If you have a minor ailment such as lice/worms/fungal skin infection/chesty cough etc the pharmacist is able to give you advice and medicine.

If you have had this medicine on prescription before they are not required to give it to you as you can get a repeat prescription without a drs appointment (depending on the medicine of course).

The pharmacist can say that they would prefer for you to see the doctor to get a firm diagnosis.

Some may require you to show a louse before they will give you any treatment for that (my poor friend!).

I think a lot comes down to your own relationship with the chemist/pharmacist. Mine is lovely and I have always had what I needed.

This scheme is only for those receiving certain benefits and for all under 16's.

This is my understanding but I can always be corrected!

money_maker_3

I have never had to register my details with the chemist and I am not on any benefits but have been pregnant when I have gotten meds for myself. However Northern Ireland normally do these things different from everywhere else, so it could be different elsewhere !!

MadDogWoman_2

I've used it a few times for my DD as she is prone to conjunctivitis and something for a cold.

Didn't have to register, you fill in a form that's a bit like a manual prescription.

Was a bit miffed to find out hayfever medication wasn't covered - she gets runny eyes and nose for a few weeks at this time of year - but it wasn't bad enough to warrant a trip to the GP.

MDW

HelenKA_2

I got hay fever medicine for my DD though!