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AIBU?

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Original poster

Advice re prescription

200 replies

poemontheocean · 20/02/2016 10:52

In here for traffic (sorry.)

I had a prescription for pain relief faxed through to a pharmacy 2 days ago and I've realised I'm not going to have enough to last after tomorrow.

Due in work first thing Monday - won't have a chance to see the doctor.

What do you think the best thing to do is? Should I call OOH today or tomorrow?

Appreciate advice :) thanks.

OP posts:
LIZS · 20/02/2016 10:53

Has the pharmacy not processed it yet? Could they expedite it?

Original poster
poemontheocean · 20/02/2016 10:55

I mean, I will run out of the pain relief - in other words I have the pain relief with me now but it will only last today and tomorrow. :)

OP posts:
SecretSpy · 20/02/2016 10:56

OOH is for emergencies not for being too busy to see your own GP Hmm

Most pharmacies will be open today, so ring the pharmacy first and see if you can collect them. Alternatively you could arrange a telephone consult on Monday so the surgery can leave you another prescription out.

MadisonAvenue · 20/02/2016 10:58

Contact the pharmacy. The one I use dispense the medications as soon as the prescription arrives with them despite the advice that it takes 2 working days.

Original poster
poemontheocean · 20/02/2016 10:59

It's not that I'm too busy Secret

I very, very rarely go to the doctor - last time was April 2012 so I am hardly single handedly bringing down the nhs.

However on Thursday night I was experiencing severe pain, I wasn't physically able to get to the ooh service but the doctor very kindly faxed the prescription through to the pharmacy (which I paid for - not that it matters but ...)

I am on holiday this week but back on Monday and I really can't not go in.

But I don't think I can without some pain relief - not unless it eases significantly anyway.

OP posts:
Original poster
poemontheocean · 20/02/2016 11:00

But I already have my medication.

Don't I need the doctor to enable me to get a repeat prescription?

OP posts:
MadisonAvenue · 20/02/2016 11:00

Also, if there's a problem with your prescription, ie it's not been received in time and you're going to run out of meds, the pharmacist can issue you with an emergency supply.

Gobbolinothewitchscat · 20/02/2016 11:03

Phone the doc and see if he'll give a private prescription again

Hope you're ok and having what is causing g the pain treated

Original poster
poemontheocean · 20/02/2016 11:03

I think I'm not being clear - sorry - this is all quite new to me, I don't normally see the doctor or have medication.

I had one prescription faxed to the pharmacy on Thursday night.

I need another prescription of the same medication. It doesn't remove the pain completely but it does help stop the spasms I've been experiencing which are really quite eye wateringly painful!

However I'm going to run out tomorrow night and I'm assuming I can't just rock up at the chemist and ask for more of the same - it has to come from the doctor?

Obviously I should have seen then yesterday but I didn't realise how quickly I'd get through the painkillers and I also hoped it would be improving and it hasn't really.

OP posts:
insancerre · 20/02/2016 11:04

I would ring ooh again and ask for more medication
I expect they will tell you to see your gp on monday
Can you not get an emergency appointment Monday morning at the gp and go into work a bit late

Original poster
poemontheocean · 20/02/2016 11:04

Thanks Gobblin :) I hate being a nuisance but I doubt I'd be able to get to work Monday without some pain relief and I have to!

OP posts:
Original poster
poemontheocean · 20/02/2016 11:04

I can't unfortunately in; besides, I just wouldn't be physically able to get to the GP without pain relief I don't think.

OP posts:
MadisonAvenue · 20/02/2016 11:05

Ok, you need a repeat prescription from the doctor? Not that there's a prescription waiting for you to pick up at a pharmacy? Is this something that you already have on repeat prescription?
If your doctor is open today then give them a call and see what can be done.

LIZS · 20/02/2016 11:05

So you already got the meds from the prescription but now need more? Did they really not give more than a few days supply? Are you on a repeat prescription with the pharmacy, as they may be able to access it and get surgery to authorise if you go now.

Original poster
poemontheocean · 20/02/2016 11:05

No, it's not a repeat prescription as it was prescribed for the first time on Thursday but the rest is correct, yes.

OP posts:
UndramaticPause · 20/02/2016 11:06

Where did this myth abouy pharmacies giving you your regular meds without a prescription come from? My pharmacy fucked up and ordered the wrong medication off my repeat list but refused to issue what I needed and told me I had to go to my Dr. They need a prescription to issue

Original poster
poemontheocean · 20/02/2016 11:08

Yes I thought that was the case - so I wouldn't be unreasonable to ring up today and say 'please could I have some more drugs!' would I? :)

OP posts:
SmokingGun · 20/02/2016 11:08

If it's something like diazepam then I think OOH Dr's, A&E, etc tend to only give a couple of days to stop people with addictions abusing the system. You might find that they refuse to give you another prescription as you should have tried to see your GP on Friday.

Ameliablue · 20/02/2016 11:09

Just to understand, you are in severe pain enough to need prescribed pain killers as opposed to something for the pharmacy it you haven't been checked over by a doctor and it isn't an existing condition. To be honest I would not expect a doctor to give you a further prescription without being seen.

Original poster
poemontheocean · 20/02/2016 11:10

I doubt it, I haven't actually yet been seen by a GP. It isn't diazepam - it's a strongish painkiller though not strong enough!

OP posts:
LIZS · 20/02/2016 11:10

Have you taken more than was advised already, hence why the supply is low. Could you take fewer and eek it out until Monday. If you are in too much pain to work on Monday ( and I guess it may yet ease by then) you'll simply need to ring surgery first thing for an emergency appointment.

Thymeout · 20/02/2016 11:10

What is the medication? It sounds as if he prescribed only a limited amount, if it was faxed 2 days ago and you'll run out on Monday.

I think the regs are v strict on prescription painkillers because people get addicted to them and there are addicts trying to circumvent the system. Doubt if the pharmacist will be able to help.

I'd call OOH today and see what they say.

Original poster
poemontheocean · 20/02/2016 11:11

Amelia it's something in my back though, which they seem unable to do anything about so what can you do?

Plus it is extraordinarily difficult for me to physically get to a doctor at the moment - I really don't think i'd be able to manage it.

OP posts:
britnay · 20/02/2016 11:11

How many days supply was the prescription for? Did the doctor mention that you might need to make another appointment if the pain continued?

AnchorDownDeepBreath · 20/02/2016 11:11

OOH shouldn't issue this for you, the NHS classes it as a misuse of service and therefore they are supposed to refuse.

The only options are either to wait until you've run out and see if the significant pain returns, and visiting OOH then if it does, or to speak to your pharmacy/GP first thing on Monday.

It does suck - especially if you don't use the NHS often - but it's how it is. As it stands at the moment, you'll either be late because you're picking up meds or off because you can't work through the pain.

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