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Original poster

Abroad and don't have my medication

43 replies

teaandtoastwithmarmite · 26/08/2022 07:12

Hi there I'm on holiday in corfu and I brought my box of sertraline only to discover it's empty! What do I do? I only take a very low dose but when I first went on it I felt horrendous so I'm more concerned that if I stop when I get back home to England and restart it I'll be in a bad way. Was planning to go to a local chemist and see if I can get some. Any tips? Anyone had to do this?

OP posts:
TigerRag · 26/08/2022 07:14

I had to do this. I gave the chemist my white repeat slip and explained that I'd forgotten my medication and do they have anything similar? They did but had to order it in and told me to come back tomorrow.

SolasAnla · 26/08/2022 07:16

Contact your GP/ pharmacy and ask if they will supply a copy to the local pharmacy?
Ask the local pharmacy what they need to fill the prescription.
If you need a local GP ask the pharmacy or hotel reception for a recomendation.

Mindymomo · 26/08/2022 07:25

Go to your local chemist first with box and see what they say. It may be that you will either need to get a prescription emailed over to them if they stock it, or you need to see a GP there to get a prescription as it maybe called something else there.

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euphigee · 26/08/2022 08:02

Go to the local chemist with box. Often you can pay over the counter and won't need a prescription for some medicines. Not all countries work the same, so maybe in Greece you can buy this one.

Original poster
teaandtoastwithmarmite · 26/08/2022 08:05

Thanks all. I don't have a repeat slip as they never give me a repeat due to it being a controlled drug. I will try taking the box. Hope I don't have to call my gp as it is forever busy on the phones. I think as I'm relaxed on holiday I could be ok without it but it's when I start taking it again in normal life iykwim

OP posts:
Snozzlemaid · 26/08/2022 08:11

SolasAnla · 26/08/2022 07:16

Contact your GP/ pharmacy and ask if they will supply a copy to the local pharmacy?
Ask the local pharmacy what they need to fill the prescription.
If you need a local GP ask the pharmacy or hotel reception for a recomendation.

I don't think a UK GP can send prescription to Greece.
Dd couldn't get one sent to Scotland once from her English GP.
She had to drive back to the nearest pharmacy in England to get it.

Whiskers4 · 26/08/2022 08:15

Your insurance might be able to help.

katscamel · 26/08/2022 08:23

Have you got the NHS app? Is so, if linked to your medical records you should have a list of your medication etc on it. Take this to the pharmacy as well as the empty box (does the box have the pharmacy label on with the dosage and your details?). If this doesn't work book an appointment at the nearest Dr and show them the info on your app.

MrsOwainGlyndŵr · 26/08/2022 08:29

Can someone get them couriered to you from home?

SalaDaeng · 26/08/2022 08:35

My relative is on sertraline and has been told they must not stop it suddenly. I would see a GP locally (hotel will organise it for you) and get a prescription. Then claim the consultation fee back from your insurers. Don't take any risks with your health.

AlisonDonut · 26/08/2022 08:38

MrsOwainGlyndŵr · 26/08/2022 08:29

Can someone get them couriered to you from home?

From the UK to Greece?

WhatHaveIFound · 26/08/2022 08:41

SalaDaeng · 26/08/2022 08:35

My relative is on sertraline and has been told they must not stop it suddenly. I would see a GP locally (hotel will organise it for you) and get a prescription. Then claim the consultation fee back from your insurers. Don't take any risks with your health.

This!

Can you use your EHIC to see a local GP and get a new prescription?

My DD is on sertraline and tried unsuccessfully to wean herself off it. From experience I don't think stopping suddenly is a good idea at all.

Notanotherwindow · 26/08/2022 08:43

Sertraline isn't a controlled drug? At least not in the sense that you can't have it on repeat. I had it on repeat and the one I'm on now is considered more risky and I have that on repeat. It may be different in Greece anyway, a lot of stuff that you need a prescription for here, you can just buy over there.

Original poster
teaandtoastwithmarmite · 26/08/2022 08:45

My gp won't let me order it as a repeat. I can go online and order it but not as a repeat as in every month or whatever. As for couriering it err no. But thanks.

OP posts:
yikesanotherbooboo · 26/08/2022 09:05

Go to a pharmacy and ask for advice; you can show them your NHS app .You may need to see a local Dr but I'm not sure . Sertraline isn't controlled btw.

ChagSameachDoreen · 26/08/2022 09:26

MrsOwainGlyndŵr · 26/08/2022 08:29

Can someone get them couriered to you from home?

How? Literally how would this be possible?

ThisIsNotARealAvo · 26/08/2022 09:37

Quickest way will be to find a tourist doctor, make an appointment for a consultation and they will give you a prescription. I've done this in Italy and the Netherlands. Consultation costs about €30-50 and then you have to pay for private prescription but it's really hard to get prescription medicine from a pharmacy without a prescription.

PineappleWilson · 26/08/2022 09:43

See a GP through the hotel. My father had to do this when he went abroad without his usual medication. I've also had to recently join a Scottish GP on a 2-week basis to get a prescription made up on holiday from England, so there's no way you could get a prescription sent to Greece from the UK.

Original poster
teaandtoastwithmarmite · 26/08/2022 09:47

yikesanotherbooboo · 26/08/2022 09:05

Go to a pharmacy and ask for advice; you can show them your NHS app .You may need to see a local Dr but I'm not sure . Sertraline isn't controlled btw.

When I say controlled I mean I have to reorder it and cannot get a repeat prescription. Once I ordered it early and the GP gave me half a prescription for the the price of a normal one

OP posts:
Thingstodotoday · 26/08/2022 09:49

ChagSameachDoreen · 26/08/2022 09:26

How? Literally how would this be possible?

Show quote history

Literally through DHL courier service.

AlisonDonut · 26/08/2022 09:52

Thingstodotoday · 26/08/2022 09:49

Literally through DHL courier service.

Show quote history

Ahem...

mydhl.express.dhl/mo/en/help-and-support/customs-clearance-advice/controlled-substances.html

ItsRainingPens · 26/08/2022 09:52

I forgot mine recently in France. The local pharmacy set me up an appointment - only had to wait 10 mins - and after a chat, and me showing the doctor what I needed, he wrote me a prescription, which the pharmacy delivered.

Original poster
teaandtoastwithmarmite · 26/08/2022 09:56

I can't courier it anyway as I have none at home and no one can get in my house.

OP posts:
Thingstodotoday · 26/08/2022 09:57

AlisonDonut · 26/08/2022 09:52

Show quote history

Ok through a courier that does allow prescription drugs to be sent then. Still not “impossible” www.eurosender.com/en/pack-ship/prescription-drugs

Thingstodotoday · 26/08/2022 10:09

@AlisonDonut plus (ahem) that page you’ve linked to is specifically for Macau 🤣. Not such an expert Googler after all!