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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think I should be able to get co-codomol on presciption

90 replies

Ryderryder · 21/12/2018 09:18

It is likely that it will need to be taken day for up to a year. On the face of it it seem cheap. Between £1.70 and £3.00 a pack. However one pack last a 4 days. Also buying ibruphom (sp) which is 35p every 2 days.
Aibu

OP posts:
FissionChips · 21/12/2018 09:21

Pack of 32 tablets costs 89pence online at weldricks pharmacy.

Puggles123 · 21/12/2018 09:23

If you are planning to take them long term (for more than 3 days) it is advisable to do so under the advice of a doctor anyway, and cost wise as it’s long term seems fair enough. It does cost more for the NHS than for you as every prescription incurs additional charges such as processing etc, but if it’s a medication you need then Smile.

ComtesseDeSpair · 21/12/2018 09:23

Will you struggle to afford other things because of having to buy the drugs? Or is this just about thinking you “ought to” be entitled to something? If the former then YANBU (provided your prescription charges don’t actually outweigh the cost of the relatively cheap meds). If the latter then YABVU.

DragonMamma · 21/12/2018 09:24

Yes. YABU. It costs the NHS far more than that so if you can pay for it, then you should.

A 19p packet of paracetamol costs the NHS roughly 20 times as much (£3.80). When the NHS is in such a bad state, I think we all have a responsibility to buy as much as we can ourselves.

jomaIone · 21/12/2018 09:25

Cocodamol is an addictive drug better supervised by a doctor. There may even be a better drug to try.

HavelockVetinari · 21/12/2018 09:25

You really shouldn't be taking co-codamol for longer than a few days as it's very addictive - see your GP to get a pain management strategy.

Original poster
Ryderryder · 21/12/2018 09:28

Aldready seen GP. Happy for condomol to be taken but having to jump through hoops to buy it due to pharmacy rules. Will look online but I think Weldricks charges for delivery.

OP posts:
Original poster
Ryderryder · 21/12/2018 09:31

In the most expensive place it 22.00 per month. Rather more than NHS prescription fee.
Also unable to work due to NHS delays.

OP posts:
WhoTookTheChristmasCookie · 21/12/2018 09:31

Did you explain to the GP about your plans to take it long term?
I can't imagine they'd just shrug you off to buy it over the counter - unless you go pharmacy hopping every few days.
Pharmacists are allowed to refuse sale of codeine based painkillers.

If you're suffering with a chronic pain problem then you might be better with the prescription strength co-codamol anyway.
I'd double check with the GP.

WhoTookTheChristmasCookie · 21/12/2018 09:33

What is it your taking them for? Maybe someone here could recommend a different type of painkiller that's cheaper and could work better.

Original poster
Ryderryder · 21/12/2018 09:36

Orthopaedic issues due to osteo arthritis.

OP posts:
HaudYerWheestHen · 21/12/2018 09:36

My local chemists told me to go see the doctor as they couldn't give me co-codamol the third time I went in to buy it within two weeks. As an addictive drug it really should be on prescription if you are to take it for a year. My doctor gave me a prescription for a pack of 100 so that's what? A couple of month? (I didn't need to take them all as my injury got better quicker than expected)

Original poster
Ryderryder · 21/12/2018 09:38

Specifically asked for stronger ones and told no due to constipation issues. They must know it is going to be long term due to long waiting lists for surgery.

OP posts:
Original poster
Ryderryder · 21/12/2018 09:39

Think I may have to book another GP appointment.

OP posts:
Original poster
Ryderryder · 21/12/2018 09:40

Thank you for responses.

OP posts:
steff13 · 21/12/2018 09:42

How many ibuprofen are in a bottle that you're taking them all in two days?

The last bottle I bought at Target had 1000 200 mg tablets in it.

DragonMamma · 21/12/2018 09:43

@steff13 in the UK ibuprofen usually comes in packs of 16. You can’t get a big American sized tub here unfortunately

Original poster
Ryderryder · 21/12/2018 09:44

You can only but two packs of 16 in regular shops. Local chemist is too expensive. Nearly 2.50 for 48.

OP posts:
WhoTookTheChristmasCookie · 21/12/2018 09:45

OP, you need to try and see a different GP.

I suffer with chronic pain and different doctors have different views on pain relief.
Did the doctor not suggest any alternatives?
I'd have thought they'd at least try something like Naproxen for OA.

Sending you away to continue to buy a medicine over the counter that can only be used (without prescription) for 3 days is poor practice. If constipation is the worry they should be able to give you something for that too.

I'm prescribed codeine in the long-term (as well as other strong painkillers) and have been given lactulose to take in case of constipation.

Have you tried voltarol gel? It'll last longer than a pack of co-codamol. Tiger balm is good too, in the interim.

steff13 · 21/12/2018 09:46

Oh, I see.

bobstersmum · 21/12/2018 09:46

You should only take ibuprofen 3 times a day if taking regularly, it's not good for the stomach. So a pack of 16 should last you almost 3 days. I think you need to speak to your gp.

YoureMyWifeNowDave · 21/12/2018 09:47

@DragonMamma you can get 96 400mg ibuprofen tablets for about £10 from a pharmacy in the U.K. I bought one last week!

Theoryofmould · 21/12/2018 09:49

If your Gp thought it appropriate to prescribe it then I'm sure they'd do just that. A pharmacist can prescribe larger doses of a drug but it needs to be verified by your Gp, or at least that's what mine does. I take codeine and paracetamol separately, codeine on script but I'm allowed to buy the max amount of paracetamol because my pharmacist has cleared it with Gp that I need it.

agenuinestubbs · 21/12/2018 09:52

Agree you should see a different GP. I also have chronic pain. Taking cocodamol every day for a year is not a good idea. They should be thinking of other options for you.

MummytoCSJH · 21/12/2018 09:52

I have 30/500 co-codamol on repeat prescription for neck and head pain due to my brain tumor and resulting brain surgery. I've had to ask them to give me more on one prescription because they were only lasting me a week and I couldn't afford it, but it took ages for them to agree to a) give me more and b) put it on repeat because as pp have said, it can be really addictive. Unfortunately it is feasible I will be on pain medication for the forseeable so they kind of had to in my situation. I was previously on morphine and tramadol before my surgery so at least it's not quite as strong now! Is there something else you can try that they will prescribe that you won't have to buy as much of? They suggested I try the pharmacy strength first but they didn't help at all so I did say if they couldnt put it on repeat I'd be happy to try something else.