To be annoyed that "free prescriptions in Scotland" actually means quite severe prescription rationing and therefore having to go without or pay through the nose privately

CurdinHenry · 2026-07-04T10:40:03+00:00

Ofc ianbu Wish the SNP spads had the courage to recognise this issue but instead it will get secret two tier healthcare for the rest of my life

FredaMountfitchet · 04/07/2026 16:13

The prescriptions aren’t free .
Taxation revenue funds this .
Have had migraine medication changed to a cheaper & clinically less effective one ( for me)

Dug my heels in and was reinstated back on my original medication
Possibly more due to community pharmacists attached to surgeries scrutiny on prescribing .
Heard similar re B/p meds and HRT protocols being changed
Not strictly rationing as such .

Twasasurprise · 04/07/2026 15:57

aliceyyyy2654 · 04/07/2026 15:46

I’m in England and get 2 months at a time and have done for years. Never heard of this issue

Show quote history

It might just be a local issue then, as I said. It's certainly not just my surgery. It started about a year ago here.

Mygardenshedisfallingdown · 04/07/2026 15:54

What was the point of OP asking / moaning about it then pissing off, maybe never to be seen again because posters say yabu.
"I've got a life outside MN and not here all day yadda yadda" that's fair comment but why ask for opinions then flounce or disappear when posters try to help?

MistakenFlutterby · 04/07/2026 15:51

I’m in Scotland, myself, my DH, my parents and in-laws, have no problems getting the prescriptions we need.

AMurderofMurderingCrows · 04/07/2026 15:51

Ummm, are you sure they've rationed your meds?

AndyBurnhamIsATwerp · 04/07/2026 15:48

What’s the point of your OP? You only give half the information 🙄 Are we supposed to guess the rest?

aliceyyyy2654 · 04/07/2026 15:46

Twasasurprise · 04/07/2026 15:35

There is a form of rationing in England, at least in my area. Where before you could get 2 months supply on one prescription, it's now limited to 28 days. Effectively double the fee for those of us that pay. It could be worse, we could have American prescription prices, so I'm not complaining too loudly!

I wonder if OP will be back to explain.

I’m in England and get 2 months at a time and have done for years. Never heard of this issue

Twasasurprise · 04/07/2026 15:35

There is a form of rationing in England, at least in my area. Where before you could get 2 months supply on one prescription, it's now limited to 28 days. Effectively double the fee for those of us that pay. It could be worse, we could have American prescription prices, so I'm not complaining too loudly!

I wonder if OP will be back to explain.

Dragonhugs · 04/07/2026 15:04

The only issue I've had was years ago when I was trying to get the tablets that delay periods, due to a holiday. My doctor refused and I had to pay for a private prescription.
I now have ongoing medical issues and I've never had a problem. I was prescribed oxycodone on Christmas Eve and they sourced it for me from another pharmacy within 2 hours.

aliceyyyy2654 · 04/07/2026 15:00

Octavia64 · 04/07/2026 12:26

We’re having supply issues with my DD’s levothyroxine - I’m in England. Doctor is happy to prescribe but getting it filled is another story.

I’ve been on Levothyroxine for over a decade and never had any issues getting it from the pharmacy when my prescription is due…

BoredZelda · 04/07/2026 14:59

What?

Honeyhonayboo · 04/07/2026 14:58

Not my experience with free prescriptions in NI, if anything medication has been easier to access than in England.

aliceyyyy2654 · 04/07/2026 14:57

I find it quite funny that you said ‘of course I am not being unreasonable’ and then most voted that you are 😂

chipsandpeas · 04/07/2026 13:35

Octavia64 · 04/07/2026 12:26

We’re having supply issues with my DD’s levothyroxine - I’m in England. Doctor is happy to prescribe but getting it filled is another story.

well im in scotland and have no issues getting my levothyroxine or other meds i am on

aliasfrog · 04/07/2026 13:28

I'm in Scotland and they give me 2 months of repeat prescription at a time and have never refused any drug I have asked for (reasonably of course). I see no prescription rationing here, and free prescriptions is a good thing that helps everyone out.

Gallowayan · 04/07/2026 13:17

Live in Scotland and never experienced difficulty getting our medications?

WhatHappenedToYourFurnitureCuz · 04/07/2026 13:14

I have some expensive items on my repeat, which I can only order when I'm just about to run out (not even a little in advance). And some where I use varying amounts so can't order on a regular schedule. As a result I often have to order 2-3 repeats a month.

Never had an issue.

Changeisstillpossible · 04/07/2026 13:14

What is it you want, that you can't get?

Hollowvoice · 04/07/2026 13:10

What rationing? I live in England and needed some medication while visiting family in Scotland. Was fully prepared to pay for it as I'm used to paying and I'm not a resident but it was free

sunshinehappydays · 04/07/2026 13:10

I’m not aware of this at all. I’m a hospital pharmacist so don’t know community pharmacy too well but have never experienced what you’re alluding to. I’m always quick to criticise the SNP- I think they are awful however I don’t see what you mean here. Prescriptions may be rationed for clinical reasons and not due to ‘free’ prescriptions. Prescriptions aren’t free-we pay for them as tax payers.

craigth162 · 04/07/2026 13:07

There is no rationing.

Chewbecca · 04/07/2026 13:05

What rationing are you experiencing?

ChasingRainbow5 · 04/07/2026 13:04

YABU without giving further detail.

I’m in Scotland and never have any issues, several times I’ve phoned the doctor and said “I think X might help me” and it’s been ready to collect in hours.

AllaMova · 04/07/2026 12:36

I’m in Wales and we also have free prescriptions (at point of use, of course), but I can’t say I’ve ever experienced this either…

JLou08 · 04/07/2026 12:31

I'm in England and people don't always get the prescription they want here. Addictive meds and antibiotics are restricted for good medical reasons. We also have shortages of some medications at times.