Can I buy dairy free formulas without a prescription?

[Lucinda15]

(I have also posted this on feed the world board, before I realised this might be better place for it!)

DS (5yo) has CMPA and egg allergy. He was breastfed and we never needed the dairy free formulas.

DD (5 weeks old) is showing signs of CMPA. Unfortunately I have been unable to breastfeed (cracked nipple/thrush/mastitis/?tongue tie - tried everything and exhausted support from avenues). So DD is on formula (aptamil comfort) but now has developed blood in stools and skin rash. Much less in way of symptoms than DS actually, but I am obviously expecting CMPA. Doc has taken stool sample to check for infection as first port of call, and now waiting on results. I go to review with doc on Wednesday and am hoping we will be allowed a prescription for dairy formula without the need for a lengthy referral to a consultant (assuming no infection!). But, if that's the case, does anyone know if I can buy the dairy free formulas over the counter anywhere? Or do I need a prescription? I would really like to give them a go to see if it helps DD, can't bear feeding her this milk if it's making her ill.

Tia x

You can but it is very expensive. Your local pharmacy should be able to order it for you (some have a 24 hour service) but be aware it costs a lot. In 2011 when I was looking into doing this it was about £30 for a small tin and I think I would have needed to spend about £100 a week or so.

I managed to get a prescription for neocate in the end.

Ok thanks. I will speak to the pharmacist. It's not sustainable at that cost but if they make me wait for prescription I'd be keen to get some to trial in meantime!

SMA make a soya based formula milk, you can get it in Boots and it doesn't cost much more than standard formula. www.boots.com/sma-wysoy-soya-infant-formula-from-birth-860g-10022478

Check out the NICE guidelines for suspected CMPA and testing/prescribing formula/referrals. Worth reading and taking a print-our to your GP.

Do you have a children's a and e that you could get to? When my LO had blood in stools I went there and they gave us some tins to try and wrote to the GP telling them they had to prescribe it. Do not use Soya based formula as many that have CMPA are also allergic to soya (dietician said 60%ish)

If you get no luck try a breastmilk sharing site, there are usually a good few vegans in those groups x

There is an SMA milk called H.A. INFANT milk it says it's to reduce the risk of developing a CMPA. Its not much more expensive than normal milks for a larger tin than the prescription milks.