To think the NHS should tell us the cost of medication

[glenthebattleostrich]

Just been talking to / whining at DH about how I need to order a new inhalor before Christmas but my app won't let me before 25 Dec. Then got onto the cost of prescriptions and wasted medication (I know, bet you wish you were here!)

Out of interest I googled the cost of my inhalor and the one my doctor tried to switch me too (can't use dry powder as it makes my asthma worse for some reason).

My symbicort costs about £38 and my salbutamol £12 to buy. Suddenly i feel better about prescription charges (still annoying that some parts of the UK don't pay or certain conditions get all meds free others dont, bit that's a different thread).

Anyways, after all that waffle, AIBU to think we should be told how much it would cost us to buy medication? I'd be more appreciative of the savings / consider how much I need it and would be less likely to waste medication.

My collegues and I get very annoyed when parents won't go and buy their own calpol or generic alternative. (Not an issue if they really can't afford it though) We've also managed to stop pharmacy dispensing 7-8 bottles if the bloody stuff when it's not needed!

Yes we should be told the cost. In other European countries the full cost is printed on the box (of pills for example). Makes you much more appreciative.

Justaboy That is why no pharma is investigating antibiotics - they would not be allowed to sell it as it would be retained as a last resort - therefore no return on investment.

It's a bit rubbish that asthma is the only illness that can kill you where you have to pay for your meds.

Any bacterial infection could potentially kill you - most people pay for antibiotic prescriptions ? People with mental health problems pay for their prescriptions. High blood pressure?

You see, I can see the logic in wanting Gaviscon on prescription- last time I had to buy a bottle it cost nearly £10. I'm supposed to take up to 80ml a day, that's nearly a bottle every week- £40 a month.

Compared with paracetamol, 16p for a packet that lasts 3 days, £1.60 a month.

Yes, I realise I was wrong about that.

Because you can't buy enough over the counter in one go!

You can buy packs of 80 paracetamol over the counter.

A 200ml bottle of calpol over the counter.

A pack of 60 antihistamines over the counter.

How many do you need in one go?

There are two Boots shops in my town, a little one and huge one. If you want more just go to both. If you're out shopping hit two different shops. Why should the NHS pay because people cant be bothered to spend the time buying bigger quantities spaced out.

Good points re: paracetamol. I hadn't thought of that - I was only considering the issue in terms of one-off prescriptions for my dc.

Actually cystic fibrosis is not an exempt illness

UserWhatever What about people who need huge amounts of painkillers because they're, you know, in pain, and can't traipse around the high street hitting multiple shop?

Engage your brain.

yanbu
I think it should be on every pack when you pick up the prescription at the chemist.
not to wag the finger and discourage people to take much needed medication, but to show it's actually not free or of little (monetary) value.

See Alice I think there should be a more cost effective system for large dose paracetamol prescribing due to the huge inflation in prices between OTC and NHS charges.

That's not your fault though at all - like you said, it's the only way you can do it. It's the system that needs to change. And I am sure it's not only paracetamol that it's like this for. I don't understand where the increased cost of a medication is introduced for the NHS. It's seems like such a waste of finances to me.

As for the paying for inhalers thing. Prescription pre-payment certificate. £104 a year, unlimited items. Payable by direct debit over 10 months so £10.40 a month for 10 months gives you unlimited prescriptions.

prescription meds are affordable if you get one.

What about people who need huge amounts of painkillers because they're, you know, in pain, and can't traipse around the high street hitting multiple shop?

Then they need prescription painkillers not mere paracetamol if they need vast quantities.

A visit to a doctor for something more effective. You know, engage your brain.

YABU

One of my prescriptions is £300 a month. I try to use it sparingly but I'm in agony and the cheaper stuff doesn't agree with me.

I have Paracetamol and Ibuprofen on prescription because of the quantity I take it in.

Making people feel like shit because of the amount of money they cost the NHS is a great idea!

You can buy packs of 80 paracetamol over the counter.

Really? Where?

The benefit of having medications prescribed is knowing that you shouldn't face problems being issued with it if you find yourself unexpectedly in hospital.

You can buy packs of 80 paracetamol over the counter.

Where? The most I have been sold is 32. My DM needs between 120 and 240 paracetamol a month. She is 85, nearly blind and can't walk far so can't get out to get them herself. Do you really think I've got time to go from chemist to chemist to get them for her?

I have no idea about Calpol as I don't have children and I buy my own antihistamines.

Also there is a limit to the amount of paracetamol you can take in one day.
Pharmacy counters sell packs of 80, they might give you two packs. That is going to do you about 10 days.

You cant tell me that isnt enough in one go.

UserWhatever Nah, I'd say they should listen to their doctor rather than a moron on MN.

I have been offered an exemption certificate for my thyroid meds - I've been on them for two years now and still pay. I'd feel guilty if I didn't pay because I feel like I've used the NHS a lot. I think my thyroxine is ridiculously cheap (like 20p a pack online?)

PinkSparklyPussyCat Doctor Whatever says our mothers should be on different painkillers, but since she got her medical degree from Bullshit University, just ignore her.

Pinksparkly when I said about paracetamol I said except if higher doses were needed. I didn't think of the practical implications of those who are on such things long term, of course you shouldn't have to restock every other day! I apologise, and agree with you that a letter to allow you to buy larger amounts would be helpful (especially if you're paying for prescriptions)

For the prepaid to be worth it you need 13 items a year

Then they need prescription painkillers not mere paracetamol if they need vast quantities.

A visit to a doctor for something more effective. You know, engage your brain.

You do realise that paracetamol can be given in conjunction with other pain medications, yeah? It can be highly effective if taken alongside, for example, tramadol or codeine.

Then they need prescription painkillers not mere paracetamol if they need vast quantities.

A visit to a doctor for something more effective. You know, engage your brain.

Aren't you a charmer? My mother's pain hasn't reached the stage where she needs anything stronger yet, her GP is happy for her to manage it with paracetamol and I think he knows more than you.