GP refusing meds help

[EnlightenedOwl]

I had to move to a new GP due to moving house last September
I submitted my repeat medication request for epilepsy meds and Citalopram - was asked to make apt to go in to discuss which I did. GP wanted to withdraw Cipramil I agreed as I felt I could safely come off it. I have done and am fine.
But when I request the epilepsy meds there is always an issue. Make apt for blood tests was the last one. I did or tried to but no one seemed to know what blood tests! That was sorted and I had them done but now GP wants repeat bloods doing. The problem is the first apt they gave me is 2 weeks away but in the meantime my prescription is due and GP won't issue repeat until bloods done. What on earth do I do? Its my epilepsy medication!!!

FFS! I'd complain, tbh, that's fucking ridiculous.

Have you run out of tablets yet? I would speak to the Practice Manager and let them know the date you will be out of medication and that you will be needing the meds by then.

There are some anti-convulsants that should have regular blood tests, I'm not sure why that came as a surprise to your surgery. Is there another place to go for blood tests, our local hospital has a turn up and wait clinic Mon-Fri so it may be worth looking around for somewhere other than the GP's surgery for the test. You may need the test request from them first.

Hope you get it sorted ASAP, must be very stressful for you.

Is there anywhere that offers a drop in phlebotomy clinic? Most hospitals do.

If not then make an appt to see the GP and discuss the issue.

I had this when I moved, are you under a specialist or specialist nurse? I had mine write to the gp! Without lamotragine I'm unable to function day to day so it really annoyed me they thought it was ok to 'mess' with the hard work the specialist nurse especially had done to get me seizure free for a few years!

Please contact your specialist so they can liaise with your gp, unfortunately they don't know you and your history so have to go through formalities just for you to get a prescription

the problem is I run out of meds Friday and even if results back no guarantee they will issue prescription. I am going to change GPs again as I've found another practice but I need to sort this first. going to go in and speak to reception /practice manager

By the way I completely understand your frustration and anger, pissed me off they didn't realise I needed that medication to lead a normal life!

@EnlightenedOwl they have no choice, it's epilepsy they would have to prescribe emergency medication! I would go and explain the situation instead of changing practices as it could slow the process down further.

Oh FFS, do they not realise the issues with AEDs? You can't just let them run out!

The NICE guidelines are here, section 1.9.1.4 says "Consistent supply to the child, young person or adult with epilepsy of a particular manufacturer's AED preparation is recommended" - ie you can't just refuse to prescribe.
www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg137/chapter/1-Guidance#pharmacological-treatment

Can you ask to see the practice manager? Or call your consultant's secretary /epilepsy nurse to give the GP a "prompt"?

Can you leave an urgent message with your specialist nurse or consultant's secretary to please fax a letter to the GP explaining the risks of leaving you with no medication?
I know they should know this but sometimes needs must.
I once had to assist with member of the public who was fitting in the street. Turned out he had had the same situation as you and couldn't persuade anyone to give him an appointment or a prescription.

I am on meds that need blood tests every 4 weeks.
You can only book one blood test appointment at a time and the waiting list can be over 4 weeks. It is a constant source of stress trying every hospital clinic in the trust. No blood results, no prescription. Some blood clinics are really hard to get to as well.

Hmmm ... when I couldn't get a new GP to repeat prescribe the meds I needed, I seriously considered buying some online! (Not that I'm suggesting you do this of course). And my meds are cheap as chips, anyway.

not under specialist just gp care. Rang old surgery in desperation can they take me back but they can't as out of area, marginally. I can't move to new GP until sorted this out, I know that.

Is there an epilepsy helpline you can call to get advice from?
I'd also be ringing the practice manager asking them to look in to it immediately and sorting it. You can't be expected to have seisures just because the Gp wants bloods done first.

@EnlightenedOwl if you have epilepsy you should be under a neurologist OP- have you ever seen one?

You can also request emergency medication, I've done that before, they can't not give you meds for epilepsy. Give 111 a call to try and get an emergency prescription supply.

I have epilepsy and have done for 6 years now- I see my neurology consultant every 6 months even though I haven't had a seizure for 2 years.

Was under hospital but been managed by GP for years this worked very well under my last surgery.I wish I had never moved house I really do. I just didn't think new one would be like this. I've got an apt to see GP tomorrow, booked online so will go in and beg. Even if give me 2 weeks meds....

The NICE guidelines are here, section 1.9.1.4 says "Consistent supply to the child, young person or adult with epilepsy of a particular manufacturer's AED preparation is recommended" - ie you can't just refuse to prescribe.
www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg137/chapter/1-Guidance#pharmacological-treatment

NICE also states that "Regular blood test monitoring in adults with epilepsy is not recommended as routine, and should be done only if clinically indicated." I think it varies a little depending on which drug is being used: older anti-epileptics require closer monitoring than newer ones. Regardless, though, they have to ensure there isn't a break in treatment.

If you're on tegretol it will be a carbamazepine levels test, they should be able to px you more in the meantime though

thanks, the first lot of bloods were "fine" according to receptionist but "Need another full blood count." Its just messages back and forward and you don't get anywhere. My repeat medication request has now been rejected so I've got this apt tomorrow am and will beg for meds. Then when I've got that and got meds in hand (hopefully if GP will let me have them!!) will look at re-registering with new gp but going to complain about these.

You should absolutely complain, it's not an acceptable level of care. If you've got enough time and energy to ring Epilepsy Action tomorrow they've given me great advice. I also don't understand what they'd need a full blood count for?

It may also be a good idea to ask for a neurology referral as you are entitled to reviews even if your epilepsy is controlled.

I really hope you're successful tomorrow, fingers crossed for you

I would also suggest getting a referral to a specialist! I couldn't be without my specialist nurse.

Thanks for all your replies and help x

How did you get on today?

Got my prescription and an apology. GP explained they have a new prescriptions clerk and there's been some teething issues. On top of that 3 receptionists left or on sickness. Also a computer system upgrade. All caused some cock ups and misunderstandings. He was genuinely sorry re all the stress so I may give them benefit doubt and see if things improve xx

That sounds a good result, obviously it would have been even nicer without the stress-causing stuff up. I hope things run smoothly from now on.