Pharmacy Question

tesuhoha

I'm just wondering if anyone can answer this. My husband has a repeat prescription for a glaucoma eye drop. This has only just been established and prior to this the pharmacy made an error with some different eyedrops he was prescribed.

After this happened I got a repeat prescription for my husband and to my delight I was given three months supply so I didn't have to go back for ages. What I am wondering is if the doctor would have prescribed three months or would this have been down to the pharmacist in the way of an apology. I am asking because it was very useful not having to remember a repeat prescription every month and I am hoping this will happen next time.

pmduk

My GP gives me 12 weeks at a time of travatan at a time for my glaucoma. He says that he won't waste practice time and effort in the prescribing process, as he hasn't specified the medication, he's won't be reviewing it as he's not sufficiently knowledgeable to challenge the specialist clinic that originally prescribed it.

I understand, (but havent the qualifications to confirm), that the medication will be for life.

The pharmacist will only have dispensed what was prescribed, they have no discretion in the circumstances you've described.

Skyllo

Once someone's been on a stable dose for a while, they'll usually add more months to the repeat prescription - easier for everyone involved! Pharmacists can't change prescriptions. I imagine the GP printing the prescription just changed it to 3 months on their computer

Yes, glaucoma medication is for life.

miduck

I would be very concerned if a pharmacist was giving out prescription meds as a goodwill gesture!

Ultimately the only way you can be sure is to check your next prescription, but it sounds like this quantity has been prescribed by the doctor.