Getting non-prescription Nutramigen/Neocate

[misscreosote]

Hi there - my DD1 is severely allergic to dairy, and was on Nutramigen 2 until recently (now given the all clear to go onto soya milk, hooray!). I'm currently 39+1 with DD2(at least we think its a DD...), and whilst I fully intend to breastfeed for as long as possible (did it for a year with DD1), would like some back up formula for emergencies (I'm a belt and braces kind of girl... well, apart from the accidental conception of DD2 that is ).

I'm assuming I shouldn't even bother asking my GP, as DD2 hasn't even been born yet, let alone seen to be allergic to anything (and fingers crossed she won't be). I know I can get tins from ebay, but there just seems to be something wrong to me for people to profit from stuff they've probably had free on prescription.

Is there any other way to get hold of a tin or two - for example is there a brand of hypoallergenic formula you can buy over the counter does anyone know?

PS I have 2 tins of the Nutramigen 2 stuff left if anyone is near Woking and could use it (or would like to swap for Nutramigen 1 if you're trading up to the no. 2 tins).

Thanks

i bought neocate over the counter at the chemist but it cost me 35 quid. then ds didn't like it

why assume - go and ask just tell them you'd like at least a carton should you not be able do a feed one time.
Even speaking to your midwife she can have a word and possibly get a prescription done for you.

Good point sparkly, yes, I'll give the GPs a call tomorrow. I guess I'm just feeling rather lazy at the moment and can't be bothered trying to argue a point, but that'll be easier than facing a screaming baby with no milk at 4 in the morning!

Didn't know you could get neocate over the counter, £35, gulp! Still, will also go and ask my chemist tomorrow as well.

Thanks

Worth trying a few chemists as its their mark up that may bump up the price iyswim.

A chemist near me sells it for £30 and another sells it for £38

Hopefully you will get it from GP though

But as Kalo said it doesn't taste very nice if the smell is anything to go by, although DD (15mths) loves it, odd child

Hi MC,

Like you I am 33 weeks on number 2. My first DD was allergic to cows milk and I ended up BF her until nearly 1 when she grew out of it. This time I can't BF and have had a running battle with my GP and Midwife about what would be the best thing to do.
I have been trying to find out as much info as I can, and basically concluded that the advice from the allergy specialists state that if you have had a child previously with a milk allergy, to prevent more allergies or worse reactions you should avoid cows milk for the first 6 months.
frustratingly my GP thinks I am a neurotic mother and has told me that she doesn't agree or thinks my baby will be allergic (think she must be psychic!!). so will not prescribe hypo milk. She has begrudgingly refered me to a dietician, but I have also since found you can buy Nutramagen (there were 3 different types) over the counter, ranging in price from £14 to £40 for 400g tin. Most pharmacies have to order it in, they told me it could take a couple of days.
I think if you can, and are happy to I would BF for the first 6 months, and maybe ask to see a dieticain, as I believe they have preventative guidlines you could follow.
Hope this helps.

Hi carbooty - your research seems like pretty good common sense to me, no point risking sensitising a child if there is a high risk that they might be allergic anyway. Good news that you can order the Nutramigen over the counter - I only want one tin for emergencies so a small tin will do.

Must be very frustrating having to argue this point with your GP (which is why I didn't really want to get started down that road just for one emergency tin) - I guess it costs them quite a lot which is why they are reluctant to prescribe, but that's not really the point is it?! We've been very fortunate in that we haven't had to fight for referrals to allergy consultants/dieticians for DD1 (just wait a long time), and when she's been seen its been taken seriously, and prescribed an epipen etc - but I know lots of mums on here have a real battle on their hands unfortunately. I hope you manage to get somewhere with the dietician referral...

But good news that your DD1 grew out of the allergy by 1 , I imagine we're in for the long haul as my DD1 is showing no signs of her reactions reducing. I also read somewhere that there is more chance that your first child will be of an allergic disposition, rather than subsequent children, so fingers crossed for us both that the new bubs won't have a problem.

Just been to the chemist and got a tin of mutramigen, only (only!) £11, but hopefully we'll never even need it. Don't know why I didn't just pop in there and ask before really! Thanks for your help everyone