Double charge for HRT

[Lottieloves]

Normally a bit of lurker, but wanted to know whether this fair.....

After nearly 12 months of being passed from one doctor to another I have finally been diagnosed as being peri menopausal and the GP giving me HRT. GP didn’t want to and kept stalling me but as I had seen a private gynaecologist and she had written to my GP, I demanded it. Having lots of night sweats, palpitations, dryness down below, no period for nearly 2 years (I was on POP till last September and came off it) Moodiness like you wouldn’t believe!!! In fact, it’s a wonder I’m not divorced!!!

Decided to get the pill HRT, lowest dose to start with to see how we go. Not sure why I wasn’t offered Patches?? Just went to collect from prescription and they said I have to pay a double charge because its two types of hormones. But both in the same pill??? So I don’t understand!!!!

Bloody 17.00 odd quid that I can ill afford at the moment, I don’t qualify for free prescriptions!!!!

Is this fair, I remember once getting a prescription from the doctor for Canesten and because it was a cream and tablet they said that I had to pay twice……..

Just having a rant, really…. I never ever go to the doctor….

Sorry forgot to add i am only 45!!!!!

Yes this is right unfortunately. Came as a shock to me too.

It's 10 + years since I worked in pharmacy but I remember there being a list of HRT that was a double charge for the reason you stated. Have you looked into whether a prepayment certificate will work out cheaper?

Yep. I get charged for two prescriptions for my Femoston. I thought I'd mis-heard the pharmacist when she told me. Even though they are in the same packet. And I couldn't buy just half the packet, IFYSWIM.

Luckily I have a sensible GP who prescribes 6 months at a time to save me money.

Yes, im looking into getting a pre payment certificate. Would work out lot cheaper...... if im going to continue you on it.

Some types of HRT carry two charges because they contain two different tablets, to be taken in sequence, therefore are two different medicines. Others contain just one, or are combined.

Prepayment card is the way forward, its £10-something a month by direct debit.

Hi there
Have jus started on HRT, was also shocked to be charged "twice". I'm confused, however, by responses saying the prepayment/£10 a month is cheaper?
If it's £17 for 3 months supply, (or £17 for 6 months if you can wangle it from your GP), how is £10 a month cheaper?
I appreciate the prepayment works well if you have additional prescriptions
Thanks for clarification.

Does pre-payment mean you pay one charge for several different items? That's the only way it would make sense.

£17 for 3 months is still very cheap anyway. It's just over £1 a week.

Yes it is right I'm afraid. I had a feeling that had changed but obviously it hasn't. However you can get more than one month's supply on one prescription if your GP is agreeable - generally they like to check up on you monthly.

Get your doctor to prescribe 7 months so you know you can last 6 months with spare patches if one comes off. If you think 17 is high don t run out and have to go private!