Can a GP prescribe an over the counter medicine if patient cannot pay?

[Prescriptions]

Will a gp give prescription for an over the counter item for a patient with no money to buy it?

Is it at their discretion? The person involved doesn’t have to pay for prescriptions. If a request was made then would they consider it (it’s not something that can wait)
I can’t give more detail as it’s someone im supporting (we are volunteers I’m not allowed to gift or buy anything or lend money) but I wondered if the GP may help as a one off so I can help today to sort that out.

Yes. If they deem the medication the right treatment. For example i once had an inner ear issue causing dizziness and was prescribed travel sickness tablets. I actually ended up just buying them as I do have e to pay for prescriptions, but I think my GP thought I didn't, so he gave me the paper. I'm not sure they would prescribe travel sickness tablets just to have at home in case for when you travel, as that's not a GP issue.

What's the item OP? I am well placed to give you an idea.

Yes they can, it is at the GPS discretion but you'll need to explain the situation.

I’ll help them later to do an online request, I can’t speak to the gp for them due to consent but can help with the process

It will depend the rules locally, here there’s a list you cannot prescribe (think standard sunscreen, paracetamol that’s 39p a packet, head lice treatment, calpol from memory) but the food bank carries them. It will vary depending on local health rules

What is it and can it be bought cheaper elsewhere genetically? As pp as they wanting neurofen not ibuprofen?

Would it come under the minor ailments scheme, or pharmacy first? https://www.boots.com/nhs-services/minorailments?srsltid=AfmBOopjHZ7YCJJxkx_iJAThr9GRB1ge0d19uskVExgSWED0a7I-vYL0

No it’s not a brand issue it’s just they have 0 in account and won’t have anything until next week but need a medication asap.

It might do looking at that I will find out as soon as they are open.

My late mother in law had paracetamol on prescription.

Also, not being contrary here, but Trussell Trust foodbanks don't offer any medication.

OP, you can share information with the GP. What they cannot do is give it without consent.

Obviously you should not do this unless the client is freely able to agree to you doing it.

Hope that made sense!

In Scotland they would, so it seems as this person has free prescriptions, they should?

We can get things like antiseptic mouth wash, off brand calpol, eczema creams etc.

I'm in England and this is also possible here.

GPs can, but these days are often discouraged as the cost to the NHS for medication like paracetamol for example can be outrageously inflated compared to buying over the counter. They have discretion though

They won’t just write a prescription without having an appointment first, and then they need to feel
that medication is appropriate. Also, there is a list of medicines that can’t be prescribed.

Have you spoken to the pharmacist? Under the Minor Ailments scheme, they can prescribe certain medicines.

Morning after pill? I think they can prescribe that.

It seems to depend on where you live as different areas have different rules.

My area won't even prescribed a life saving immunosuppressant. I straggle 2 trusts so the other trust have stepped in to prescribe.

I get text messages from my GP to go buy this and that as your bloods are a bit low.

MAP is available free from pharmacies.

I doubt that's what the OP is talking about though.

Since the OP is being vague the thread is going to be full of guesses I think.

Mu mum is prescribed paracetamol,it's on her list of regular monthly meds.

What is the medication OP? That would be helpful

I get prescribed Vit C so I guess so.

yes they can. As PPs have said there is detail that may limit what they can or are willing to prescribe.

Ive been prescribed ordinary thrush treatment, and Vitamin D, both of which are available over the counter.

I’ve been asked by a GP whether I get free prescriptions, in which case they’d prescribe, and if not they’d suggest I bought it if it was cheaper than the prescription charge

Depends what it is.

My Dad used to get aspirin on prescription, because he got more quantity than the 16 they can sell OTC.

I was once prescribed some antifungal cream, and the pharmacist said it was cheaper to buy OTC if I preferred, so I did.

I have had a Dr put calpol on prescription before.