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Original poster

Prescription issues

22 replies

EnlightenedOwl · 07/01/2020 22:53

Every month take prescription to pharmacy for epilepsy tablets every month it means a trip around multiple pharmacies to find one with my tablets. No supply issue just not got them in. Today a trip to 2 x Boots one Superdrug no luck. Hit the phones first pharmacy I ring has them so pharmacy no.4 solves the issue. It's a nightmare I can't have generic you aren't meant to swap brands of epilepsy tablets and when there isn't a supply issue why is it so hard? And when you are so dependent on them it's not on. Took me 3 hours today to get a prescription sorted. No way am I risking the doctor sending a script a nominated pharmacy either how do I do that when I have to chase around to find stock?

OP posts:

Hobbitfeet32 · 07/01/2020 22:55

Can’t the pharmacy order it in for you for the next day?

KnifeAngel · 07/01/2020 22:55

Most pharmacies have two deliveries a day. Why can't you take your prescription to one pharmacy and wait for them to get it in with their next delivery?

Original poster

EnlightenedOwl · 07/01/2020 22:59

I made the mistake once of leaving it with an owing slip. Went back every day for a week no luck they said they had no idea when rest of prescription would arrive. So I was short on tablets two days before xmas. Happily doctors gave me a new prescription and found a chemist who could supply. So I won't leave it now after that

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scousadelic · 07/01/2020 22:59

I agree you need to find a pharmacy that will order it in for you. Most pharmacies will order for later the same day or the next day. Leave it with them and collect it in a day or two

Original poster

EnlightenedOwl · 07/01/2020 23:01

Cross posted. That didn't work for me

OP posts:

Tyrozet · 07/01/2020 23:02

Take it to a pharmacy or have it sent to a nominated one and they will be able to order it in for you. Depending on what time you get the prescription to them they will have it for you later that day or the following morning.

Unless you are leaving it until you have literally no medication left there's no need to traipse round multiple pharmacies for hours.

Boots also have a text service that will let you know when your medication is ready to be picked up.

KnifeAngel · 07/01/2020 23:02

I think you were very unlucky there OP. My local Boots has two deliveries a day from AAH Pharmaceuticals. I leave mine and my DH's prescriptions in and collect them the next day. If there are no shortages with the drugs then they will be in the next delivery.

Original poster

EnlightenedOwl · 07/01/2020 23:03

Boots were the ones who I risked leaving it with on an owing slip. Never again

OP posts:

CherryPavlova · 07/01/2020 23:03

Why not request the repeat prescription is sent direct to the pharmacy with sufficient time for them to order it in? Then you don’t need to collect it or take it to the pharmacy.

UniversalTruth · 07/01/2020 23:03

I think you've had a bad experience with a supply problem. If you leave the prescription with them and they can't dispense for any reason, you can take it somewhere else as long as nothing has been dispensed already. They should be able to see online if their supplier has stock to send them when you drop it off.

Sometimes you are best off sticking with one regular pharmacy so they know to expect your prescription.

Original poster

EnlightenedOwl · 07/01/2020 23:04

I don't trust the pharmacies bluntly as their service is tbh crap

OP posts:

KnifeAngel · 07/01/2020 23:08

I don't know what advice you are after. Normal people do not go to multiple pharmacies unless there is a drug supply issue.

UniversalTruth · 07/01/2020 23:09

If it's a branded epilepsy drug it's might be expensive and not common, hence why the pharmacy don't have it stock routinely. Sometimes pharmacies are able to do things like order in advance of your prescription because they know you are coming soon. Maybe you can try a local independent one?

I hope you can find a pharmacy to build confidence with.

Obligatorync · 07/01/2020 23:09

First, are you sure there is no supply issue? Some epilepsy drugs are running short.

If not... speak to your local pharmacies and find one where they are confident of timely arrival of meds.

Ask them to set themselves up as your nominated pharmacy.

Ask them how long you need to leave between ordering and collection.

Do this.

If it doesn't work, there either is a supply issue, your surgery or pharmacy is shit, or you've been very unlucky.

UniversalTruth · 07/01/2020 23:10

Also, you could ask your GP for two month's supply so you only have to arrange a prescription every other month.

Lonecatwithkitten · 07/01/2020 23:33

I have my prescription which contains a brand specific immunosuppressant on repeat with my pharmacy. Because my prescription is on repeat with them they bulk order my brand every 6 months and hold back the stock for me. But they only do this because I am signed up to their repeats service.
You need to discuss this with them. It is Boots, but the one which deals with the scripts for the palliative care teams in our area so are more used to dealing with more complex specialised situations.

BlackAmericanoNoSugar · 07/01/2020 23:39

I would pick one pharmacy, preferably not a chain, and stick with them. I use the same one all the time for my large and complicated monthly prescription so they get used to ordering the stuff in. To start with you could phone them a couple of days before you get the prescription so that they know that you will be in for it. Is there any way that you can move your prescription earlier, so that you always have a least a week in hand?

notanotherjigsawpiece · 08/01/2020 04:55

There are supply issues with a lot of medications at present, it might be a factor. Honestly, I’ve always found smaller, independent pharmacies more helpful in cases like this.

HeronLanyon · 08/01/2020 05:06

Definitely speak to your gp about The best way of sorting this out. As well ask for one extra prescription so you aren’t left worrying Each time.

Pixxie7 · 08/01/2020 05:53

Have you tried somewhere Pharmacy2U?

TamingToddler · 08/01/2020 06:14

Can you write the name of the tablet? In our pharmacy we have two deliveries a day. If it's from our main supplier if we order before 1.30pm it'll be there at 4.30pm. well always ring the supplier and double check it's definitely coming. If it's an odd medication it might come from an outside supplier, and take a couple of days. I can let you know if we are able to get it or if there's supply issues.

whydoihavetogothroughsomuch · 08/01/2020 06:25

Is it epilim you have the issue with? I went to boots and never had a problem afterwards. Seems smaller pharmacies have issue with re stocking it quickly.

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