to think we shouldn't have to pay for Asthma Inhaler Prescriptions?

[MaddyHatter]

Just that really.

If people with Epilepsy and Diabetes and even people with Thyroid issues and those taking the Pill don't have to pay, why do Asthma sufferers have to fork out £16 or more every couple of months for medication that can and does save our lives?

I think it contributes to the rather lackadaisical attitude towards Asthma, and just how serious a condition it is.

[drinkyourmilk]

I completely agree! If I don't take my inhaler I end up in hospital. I have taken all the steps I can to improve my condition that doesn't involve medication.

[BWatchWatcher]

Move to NI, all free here!
Screwed with Brexit mind you.

[Alisvolatpropiis]

Yanbu

I live in Wales so obviously we don't pay but I find it appalling that people in England (no idea how Scotland does their prescriptions) have to pay for actual life saving medication.

[chicknquack]

I would love to only pay that much. Generic albuterol inhalers are $75 ea here.

[TheOldestCat]

In an ideal world, agree with you. And I have asthma so shell out. But the NHS doesn't have infinite pockets.

[HitsAndMrs]

This could be said about anything though. I am asthmatic by the way. I think this about anti-depressants as I know I've struggled in the past to pay for my prescription which is so dangerous. I agree, it's also dangerous having an asthma attack by the way but my point is, there has to be a line; everything can't be free.
I agree birth control should be free, hence the name; it controls multiple births which cost the NHS much more.

[brasty]

I thought it was because the things you get free prescriptions for, are all conditions that can lead to lots of complications if not treated, that will cost much more money? So thyroid if untreated can lead to heart problems that will cost more to treat.

[MumOnTheRunCatchingUp]

You have to pay for kids asthma inhalers??

We all think our own illness/injury/condition is the most important, but yes, cutbacks have to be made..... I assume you work?

[NowThatsClosureJen]

Brasty do you consider death a complication?

[MaddyHatter]

No Mum, i don't work, and they're my inhalers (i'm a full time carer for my son who has ASD)

i have no issue paying for the majority of my precriptions.. i just think its odd that i have to pay for the medication that can be the difference between life and death.

[brasty]

I think all prescriptions for everything except minor stuff should be free. But if people do not treat their diabetes, psychosis or thyroid, then it will cost much much more to treat the complications.

[MaddyHatter]

Wwll NowThats if we die becausewe couldn't afford to refill our inhalers, i guess we are not going to cost the NHS anything...

[BeJayKayven]

All free in Scotland as well even if you can afford to pay for your aspirin
YANBU

[hollinhurst84]

I have to pay for my prescription which is a bone marrow stimulant. Without that I have a neutrophil count so low I catch everything and am likely to get neutropenic sepsis. Or possibly die
One of those things isn't it? I get a pre payment card as it works out cheaper
Currently having dressings on prescription, i need one a day and I only get ten on a script

[brasty]

I have asthma too and have been admitted to hospital for it. I am not defending the NHS decision.

[Alisvolatpropiis]

The NHS can choose what is given for free, if Wales and Scotland (as I have just discovered) can do it...where are the resources going for the English NHS going?

Asthma is a chronic condition, it isn't right that people have to pay for life saving medicine. Asthma does kill.

[FeralBeryl]

It's preposterous that ventolin isn't a free item. My opinion is that any 'acute' medicine which is literally life saving and required in minutes rather than hours should be free.
as should all medication, but that's another thread

[JsOtherHalf]

Just in case some people aren't aware, you can buy a pre paid prescription certificate to cover various lengths of time :

www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/1127.aspx
If you need more than 12 prescribed medicines each year, you could save money with a 12-month PPC.
You can also buy a three-month PPC, which will save you money if you need more than three prescribed medicines in three months.
The charge for a single prescribed medicine is £8.40, whereas a three-month PPC will cost you £29.10 and a 12-month PPC £104.00.

"

[FeralBeryl]

hollin that's crap will the GP not change it to at least double for you?

[Womble75]

If you are not earning have you looked into the NHS low income scheme that helps with prescription costs?
I get free prescriptions due to my hypothyroidism. One of the few conditions that does. But I will never be cured, I'm stuck with it for the rest of my life alongside the other issues that go with it. That said I would not begrudge paying for it if I had to.

[e1y1]

YANBU.

I have asthma my whole life, and have always had to pay. Then about 8 years ago, I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid.

It made me mad actually.

[converseandjeans]

There was a thread on here the other day about someone who handed in some unused prescriptions. Apparently they cost £60 each - so I don't think paying for a prescription is a bad deal. People on benefits/low incomes will most likely get them free. It is still way cheaper than the cost would be if you paid in full for the item. I had no idea things cost this much!

[hollinhurst84]

Feral - I'm going to ask next time, it needs dressing for a minimum of 6 weeks so I'm hoping the nurse will change it