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Original poster

If we run out of insulin ...can I get a prescription filled abroad? EU?

73 replies

user1471530109 · 03/02/2019 21:33

I've googled and can't find an answer for after we leave the EU. It says that any EU script can be filled in any EU country....

I'm panicking. I think having a back up plan with help my anxiety over this more than anything.

Anyone know if I could fly out somewhere if I needed to? Or even get friends in the EU to send some over (if I supply the prescription?).

It's not just my insulin. My pump supplies are from Europe...

I'm thinking I can go low low carb to reduce insulin needs...but stockpiling tends to be all stodge! ShockSad

Feeling more desperate the closer we get. I can't believe they will let this happen? FFS.

OP posts:
OhYouBadBadKitten · 03/02/2019 21:53

I don't think we can, I looked into it as Ive had a problem with my medication. We won't be in the EU, so it won't be valid.

KennDodd · 03/02/2019 21:57

I would write to your MP and the Health Secretary demanding an answer to this.

LegoPiecesEverywhere · 03/02/2019 21:58

Poor you op. I would contact your local MP and ask them what you should do. I would also contact this crowd and see if they would be willing to courier to you healthwave.ie

LupinsNotBluebells · 03/02/2019 22:00

Your script won't be an EU script by then so I don't think you'd be able to get some from Europe.

RoseAndRose · 03/02/2019 22:06

You would have to go to Europe and get a new prescription there, probably paying full rates for the consultation, the drug itself and a dispensing charge.

There are various online prescription services these days, so it might be worth seeing if there are any reputable overseas ones which will ship to UK, as that might be easier.

Mistigri · 03/02/2019 22:06

Diabetics are probably somewhat safer than other patients because the insulin issue has been quite high profile but nevertheless I wouldn't want to be in your shoes :(

It would probably be possible to get a prescription via a private GP appointment in France (outside big cities, a regular GP consultation costs €25; they might insist on lab work but that is easy to arrange and inexpensive). But you would obviously have to pay for the insulin etc which would quickly add up. It's probably not a viable solution unless you are wealthy.

Are there any diabetics' groups campaigning on this? They might have some advice.

Original poster
user1471530109 · 03/02/2019 22:15

Thanks. I'm in a bit of a mess about it. Certainly not wealthy (teacher wage and LP) but would have cc if I really needed to use them.
Hadn't realised online companies did this so will look into it.

But I'm one of millions. Like I said, it's not just the actual insulin. My pump uses consumables- all from EU.

OP posts:
Cheekysquirrel · 03/02/2019 22:24

I’m concerned too.
I wouldn’t be surprised if we ended up back on injections because I can’t see the pump supplies getting through. This possibly may prove fatal in itself to me as I had horrific overnight hypos on injections. I take no nasal insulin between midnight and 4am so with a 24 hour acting insulin - and even if I split the dose into 2 - I end up gojng very very low at about 2am. It’s why I had the pump.
I’m feeling quite fraught about it all as well.

I think the insulin will probably be ok. But I’ve no idea how I will manage back on injections, particularly if there are no blood testing strips.

Cheekysquirrel · 03/02/2019 22:25

basal my phone didn’t know that word although I’ve typed it enough times. I never take nasal insulin. That would be weird.

Cheekysquirrel · 03/02/2019 22:28

Oh and I’m already using the sets longer than recommended to try and get a box or two in front. I can only order three boxes every eight weeks as I use the sure-Ts which are only meant to last 48 hours. So three boxes lasts me 8 weeks not 12 weeks like most of the other sets.
Since brexit all looked like it might go tits up I’ve been leaving the sets in longer than I should if they are still working in the hopes of getting a box or two in front. Typically I will need to order my next lot at the very end of March as I’ve just had some. So I could well be screwed.

tubspreciousthings · 03/02/2019 22:29

Can you order your next supplies a bit earlier than usual, then the next etc? That's what I'm doing in the hope that I'll have enough to keep me going until they sort out some kind of interim arrangement.

It makes me cross when people say those with diabetes will be ok as Teresa May has diabetes - she's hardly been helpful getting nhs access to new technology (eg libre etc) for all while she swans around using it all.

Original poster
user1471530109 · 03/02/2019 22:29

cheeky I've ordered some levemir as a back up. Could you take it at 5am if desperate? It would probably have worn off by midnight? Although my lantus is probably better for that?

My bloody MP is a brexiteer Sad

OP posts:
Cheekysquirrel · 03/02/2019 22:32

I need to order some levemir. It’s no longer on my repeat and I only have an emergency vial left in the fridge in case of my pump breaking. In truth I’ve been on the pump for 12 years. I’ve no idea how much insulin it would translate to. I only take 16u a day and between midnight and 6am I take less than a whole unit.
Quality of life will definitely be taking a turn for the worst.

Blinkingblimey · 03/02/2019 22:33

Even more of a reason to write to your MP in that case - they have got to take responsibility!!

Original poster
user1471530109 · 03/02/2019 22:43

cheeky I wouldn't have a clue either. 10 yrs on a pump. I've recently gone with the omnipod. Happened to have moved CCG area. New CCG won't fund the bloody thing! Currently got one on loan from the hospital whilst they fight if for me. So ordering supplies is fun as they always say I don't have an account...

I'm going to ask for some syringes on my prescription too...actually contemplating ordering a second box of levemir in a few weeks (which seems wasteful) but I really think there will be a shortage for a while.
Have you been affected by the reservoir shortages for your pump? And this is before brexit!

Blinking you are right. I've been contemplating writing an email or weekend. I expect I'll just be told that medication will be the priority etc. That's not reassuring enough tbh.

OP posts:
Original poster
user1471530109 · 03/02/2019 22:45

  • all weekend.

My parents votes for this. They are definitely bregret now though (which is no consolation) Angry

OP posts:
Cheekysquirrel · 04/02/2019 01:23

My husband and all his family voted for this.
Every time I rant about how thick people potentially will kill me I have to remember that he and all his family are those thick people.

Mistigri · 04/02/2019 06:57

It might well be the case that supplies for pumps (as opposed to insulin) can be bought OTC in Europe. You might not even require a prescription. You could ask the manufacturer of the system that you use?

tubspreciousthings · 04/02/2019 08:49

I'm not sure about the arrangements elsewhere but over here the NHS has an account in my name, so I just phone up/go online to order when I'm running low. I've never seen my pump supplies available through any other route (here or abroad), although I'd be glad to hear if they are.

sashh · 04/02/2019 08:58

Not to panic you OP but if we leave with no deal you may not be able to get abroad (unless you are in NI) as there may not be flights or ferries.

I too am dependent on a number of medications, not insulin. I think the government are stockpiling insulin because TM will need it.

RussellSprout · 04/02/2019 09:46

Yes, TM is insulin dependent so I'm sure she'll be making sure she doesn't run out. Although that could be by means of a private prescription.

Cheekysquirrel · 04/02/2019 13:04

There will be flights and ferries.

daisypond · 04/02/2019 13:08

Cheeky - what have flights and ferries got to do with anything?

DGRossetti · 04/02/2019 13:26

what have flights and ferries got to do with anything?

Nice to look at ?

crimsonhair · 04/02/2019 13:35

I wonder what (if anything) Diabetes UK says about that. Have you tried to contact them?

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