How to obtain prescription only meds

[PeonyFlush72]

Strange question I know:

I have a relative abroad who has been on prescription meds for 6 years but there is currently a shortage in her home country and doctor says there is no alternative.

It's available in the UK but on prescription only. She has a prescription of course but only from her home (EU) country.

I tried the pharmacy that we use for our meds and they say that they won't process an EU prescription. It not something I could get over the counter.

Does anyone have any ideas what we could do?

To be clear, we want to buy this drug not just get it free from the NHS!

I think the pharmacy have already answered your question to be honest.

They won't process an EU prescription.

I find it very hard to believe there is no alternative. What drug is it?

Can you try one of the online pharmacies, Lloyds or Pharmacy4u. Or try one of the independent pharmacies, you will probably need the prescription though.

What does her home doctor suggest if s/he says there is no alternative?

I agree with pp, all I can think of is to use your address and try an online pharmacy. I know they need prof of ID e.g pic of passport. Can't remember if they need proof of address.

Is she a UK citizen? If so can she not get a UK prescription?

If she's not a UK citizen and doesn't live in the UK, then I don't think she she can use UK healthcare/ pharmacies, even paying privately.

It would be like me deciding to get a prescription from Spain because there's a shortage in the UK (for example) - that's just not something that you can really do if you're not a citizen.

No she isn't a UK citizen so not registered or anything like that.

I have tried a couple of online pharmacies which mention needing any valid prescription from EU or UK but although website says that they now say UK only.

Her doctor is literally saying there is no alternative and nothing in this country currently so try abroad! It's insane.

It just seems so mad that it's readily available here via NHS or privately but she can't get hold of it.

Can’t she get a cheap flight here have a quick holiday and access a private gp whilst here ?

About to say something similar.

Also. If it’s short supply abroad, it may not be widely available here.

can you name the drug?

What medication is it , you can often order via online chemist.

What drug is it, and is it available over the counter in any other country? I know of a prescription only drug (in the UK) that is available over the counter in Spain, and a different drug (prescription only in UK) is available over the counter in Germany. I know there are reputable online pharmacies in Germany that will do international delivery of their over-the-counter medicines.

The drug is CHOLURSO

It's also available here in other forms based on the main ingredient, which is ursodeoxycholic acid.

We may well consider flying her over for a private GP appointment but then even that might not work if they don't have her full medical history to understand why she is taking it.

Why don’t you contact the private gp first, and tell them your plans, and ask what information they need to be able to do that?

I have so many friends (mostly Romanian ) who do a similar thing with dental treatment they go back get there work done and it’s so much cheaper even with flights !! So I’m sure it would be possible for someone to get cheap flights here and access private healthcare (that might be the expensive bit but worth it if desperate)

I've just messaged the private GP service that we use to see if they would be able to help so fingers crossed they might be able to help.

Thanks everyone.

Use an online private GP?

Dock Pharmacy online will process an EU script

Here

@Whatevershallidowithmylife

THANK YOU

I've just spoken to Dock and they said that if her doctor sends them an electronic prescription directly they will let us buy it from them.

I bloody love Mumsnet.