Can't afford prescription what can I do?

[HaveIgoneMad]

I have a kidney infection - I get them quite often, but I cannot afford the antibiotics. I had a baby 5 months ago but I don't have a maternity exemption certificate because I never got one, my doctor never filled it out and so it couldn't be sent off. I don't get any other help, I'm not entitled to anything but I don't have the money in my account at all so i can't even pay for it then claim it back once I get a certificate. The last time I had a kidney infection I ended up in hospital with sepsis. I don't know what to do, if there's even anything I can do.
This year has just been one thing after another with money problems, I've already stopped taking my antidepressants because I just don't have the money for them and now I need antibiotics and I'm terrified I'm going to end up seriously ill again.

Ring your GP surgery and ask if the midwife attached will do you a maternity exemption form. They can be done online now so can be instant.

You are entitled to the exemption cert for a year so can you speak to the HV and see if you can still apy for it?

Other than thst do you have anyone around you who can lend you either the £8 or a few who can lend you £2 each?

If not I'd speak to the doctor and explain the situation.

Outside of your meds, you need to speak to someone about your financial situation. Do you work? Do you get maintenance from DC's Dad? Do you claim everything you can?

You need to sort out the exemption certificate. If you go to gp now for a prescription can you not ask them at same time. Could hv do so? Are you on a low income?

My partner and I are together, on paper we don't have a low income (not low enough to be entitled to any benefits other than child benefit) and we were doing ok until he lost his job when our baby was born. He's working again now but it's less pay than it was and we have had to pay back money that was borrowed. I will be going back to work in February, at the moment my baby won't take a bottle and so any attempts to go back to work earlier haven't gone well.

I didn't realise the exemption certificate can be done online now so I will definatley ask about that.

It can in my area anyway - I don't think it's rolled out countywide yet but definitely worth asking!

it's very easy to get a maternity exemption certificate. do this one thing for yourself. break it down into little steps if necessary. you may even be able to apply online.

Hey. I also had to stop taking antidepressants due to finance and I now feel awful :(

Have you applied for benefits with his new wages? It might he worth a go, if you literally can't draw £8 together after bills then it's def worth checking.
Who did you lend money off? Is it possible to restructure the debts at all?

Is it possible to pay for the prescription somehow, whether that’s borrowing it or using a credit card so you can immediately start treatment? You can get a receipt and then reclaim the cost later from the NHS BSA, they will refund you if your claim is valid.

www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/exemption-certificates/maternity-exemption-certificates