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Original poster

Can a pharmacist prescribe antibiotics for a UTI?

40 replies

Meltinthemiddle · 27/04/2023 20:45

Struggling to phone doctor, tried cystitis sachets, water and not clearing. Can't face a long weekend to sort it out for sample result.

OP posts:
biehrvduevr · 27/04/2023 20:50

No. Pharmacists can't prescribe. It's really confusing as you're often signposted to a pharmacist for advice etc but they cannot prescribe meds. They dispense them.

Good luck in getting it sorted.

biehrvduevr · 27/04/2023 20:51

Oh and sometimes you can get the prescription and start taking them before having the sample tested. GPs can prescribe over the phone then collect from pharmacy Smile

Mrstwiddle · 27/04/2023 20:53

Actually I think pharmacies do give antibiotics now for utis, I'm pretty sure both Boots and Superdrug do.

gloriousnamechangesgalore · 27/04/2023 20:54

In Scotland Pharmacies can absolutely prescribe antibiotics, and definitely for a uti depending on symptoms and your age

Prescribing Pharmacists are a real thing Smile

BeyondMyWits · 27/04/2023 20:55

Depends on where you live. Pharmacists can prescribe in Wales.

Bonbon21 · 27/04/2023 20:55

In Scotland.. you can get antibiotics from a pharmacy for a UTI.. they go through your symptoms and any current meds you are taking and prescribe a 5 day course...... they will do this twice in a 12 month period if necessary.
Your GP records are updated accordingly.

spiggydit · 27/04/2023 20:56

We have a few prescribing pharmacists locally but they all only issue private prescriptions which can be a bit more pricy

Whatnowfgs · 27/04/2023 20:57

Can also prescribe in Northern Ireland for UTI and no charge it's an NHS service.

Diversion · 27/04/2023 20:58

There are legitimate online pharmacies where you can get antibiotics for UTI's from. You need to answer a few questions, a Dr will review your form and then they can prescribe and send the meds through the post. I think that they only offer two types of medication for UTI's so if you have an allergy to them you would need to see your GP. It will cost you more than a normal prescription charge but save you having to wait to see your GP.

Wherethewildthymeblows · 27/04/2023 21:01

Im in England and last time I was in a pharmacy (a few weeks ago) they were advertising that they can, absolutely, prescribe antibiotics for UTIs and a couple of other conditions (I forget which exactly, but the UTIs stuck in my mind as I have suffered with them in the past. Ring round a few and find who will prescribe them. Absolutely don't leave the UTI.

Original poster
Meltinthemiddle · 27/04/2023 21:02

Ok thank you I will have a look. You would thing it would accessible from a pharmacy these days. I could honestly 😭

OP posts:
Anythingbutsnow · 27/04/2023 21:03

Yes, they did for me last week. Just had to answer some questions about my symptoms but it was quick and easy

KEG05 · 27/04/2023 21:03

Yes op. Pharmacists can give you trimethoprim x

helpfulperson · 27/04/2023 21:04

It's the same as nurses, opticians and a couple of other HCPs. If they've had the training they can prescribe a limited range in specific circumstances. However its person specific so a pharmacy may have two pharmacists, one who can and one who can't

Anythingbutsnow · 27/04/2023 21:05

I also looked on line at the time and it's straight forward to get them prescribed by boots and Lloyd's etc but you'd have to wait for them to be delivered

Original poster
Meltinthemiddle · 27/04/2023 21:08

My Asda pharmacy don't do it just rang them as open late. Not sure how to find out who do it locally, can only source online.

OP posts:
WiseUpJanetWeiss · 27/04/2023 21:08

KEG05 · 27/04/2023 21:03

Yes op. Pharmacists can give you trimethoprim x

Not necessarily. Prescribing pharmacists can prescribe. Pharmacists without the prescribing qualification cannot. https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/education/pharmacist-independent-prescriber

OP, you should be able to find an online pharmacy with either a prescribing pharmacist or a doctor who can ask you some questions and give you a prescription. Your local pharmacy may be able to help if you’re lucky or might be able to point you in the direction of an in-person prescribing pharmacy.

Pharmacist independent prescriber | General Pharmaceutical Council

Regulations to allow pharmacists to prescribe independently came into effect in 2006. A pharmacist independent prescriber may prescribe autonomously for any condition within their clinical competence. This currently excludes three controlled drugs for...

https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/education/pharmacist-independent-prescriber

Helenma · 27/04/2023 21:10

I've had antibiotics through Boots online doctor. It was really quick!

biehrvduevr · 27/04/2023 21:10

Can I just say I was incorrect. I am so embarrassed. I do apologise. I live with one and was convinced he couldn’t prescribe.

I have now been educated. Good news for you (although not if you live near me as none of them do it apparently!)

DomingoinLittleOakley · 27/04/2023 21:11

My daughter called 111 last weekend, had a conversation with a nurse, then a call from a pharmacist who prescribed them for immediate collection.

catsnore · 27/04/2023 21:12

Yes I got some from my local pharmacy (boots) which is attached to the doctors surgery. I did ring the docs first and they sent me to the pharmacy. It was only a short course and they said I would need to see the docs if it didn't clear up. They had a little consultation room where I went and spoke to the person about symptoms etc.

TwoMonthsOff · 27/04/2023 21:12

@Meltinthemiddle Can you do an online consult with your surgery ? I’ve done that a few times with UTI’s and then pick up the prescription, usually the next day, good luck hope you get it sorted

WiseUpJanetWeiss · 27/04/2023 21:13

biehrvduevr · 27/04/2023 21:10

Can I just say I was incorrect. I am so embarrassed. I do apologise. I live with one and was convinced he couldn’t prescribe.

I have now been educated. Good news for you (although not if you live near me as none of them do it apparently!)

He probably can’t. My DH is a pharmacist but not the prescribing kind.