GP refusing to supplyspecific pill previously prescribed

[Stupidlyannoyed]

DD has significant period problems (bleeding for 9 months)

We eventually went private as the NHS did nothing - literally nothing, a scan then "nothing is wrong you are just unfortunate"

Private consultant prescribed a particular pill (after 4 lots of medication to stop the bleeding)

We had a prescription from the GP which the chemist made us pay for as "contraception" hadn't been written on the script and when she went to get a repeat she was refused - as it's too expensive

Can we do anything?

You can go back to the private consultant and get private prescriptions for her (you’ll have to pay as they won’t be through the NHS) but that way you can get the medication you require.

Yes, firstly book another GP appointment and explain it to the new GP, they might approve it.

Alternatively, contact your local CCG who are responsible for patient care in your area and they are unlikely to turn you away.

What have you been changed from and to?

Have you checked the formulary for your local CCG to see if the drug is provided for patients in your area?

For example, here is the formulary for Southampton and all the available drugs are listed along with a rating - www.southamptonformulary.nhs.uk/

Is it Yasmin by any chance? If so there's an alternative version which GPs can prescribe. I use this, used to be on Yasmin them got told they're not allowed to prescribe it now as too expensive.

I’d get a private prescription

You can buy the pill over the counter in pharmacies in most European countries so if you happen to be travelling you can stock up and then just inform your GP and go for the routine check ups. I do this and it saves time and money.

She had 3 lots of pills (different ones) all caused bleeding, then the implant which they took out after a year as she was bleeding all the time, then an injection when she bled all the time

The consultant finally stopped it and put her on Zoely which took 2 months to calm down and she has only have a small bleed during the blank days - finally!

If it’s Yasmin there’s an equivalent with the same ingredients which they can prescribe. The same thing happened to me - I am early menopausal (I’m 37) and have lots of autoimmune disorders so was initially prescribed Yasmin to replace estrogen. When I went back to Boots to collect it a few months later they’ve switched me to Lucette. Initially I was annoyed but decided to give it a go and have had no issues at all.

Sorry cross posted with you!

Zoely
Seems to be either blue or black listed on many formularies that I have just checked.

What NHS area do you live in?

What does blue or black listed mean?

Suffolk

What does blue or black listed mean?
Bear with me, I will be back!!

If it was the second one she had treid I would be more sympathetic - but after 5 different lots causing a further 4 attempts at stopping bleeding I'd rather stay with what works

In Ipswich & East Suffolk Zoely has been classified as DOUBLE RED which means that this drug should not be prescribed at all -
www.ipswichandeastsuffolkformulary.nhs.uk/chaptersSubDetails.asp?FormularySectionID=7&SubSectionRef=07.03&SubSectionID=A100

The section of the formulary is under review so it may change but unlikely.

I have an issue with a painkiller patch that is GREEN or AMBER (basically available) in every local area but mine.

Where I live it is BLACK (do not prescribe) even though I could get it if I lived three miles away.

I have just made a private appointment for October for £285 as it is better than struggling every day.

I totally sympathise with your daughter!!

Is it worth writing to anyone? Or is it a fait accompli? (think I spelt that wrong)

Is it worth writing to anyone? Or is it a fait accompli? (think I spelt that wrong)
I would definitely write to someone as the worst thing that can happen is they can tell her NO again, nothing lost but much to gain.

Also, as Zoely is a brand name drug does your GP know of any generics that contain exactly the same drugs as Zoely?

(For example Nurofen is just a brand name for ibuprofen)

This may help
www.westsuffolkccg.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Nomegestrol-acetate-Zoely-May-14.pdf

Do I start with the surgery?

I can get 3months online for about £40!

It's a bugger

Thanks everyone

I can get 3months online for about £40!
If it is from a reputable source and it gives your DD three months without the problems she has with other COCs then I would say £40 is definitely worth it!!

So she was on Zoley - what has she been changed to?

Zoely is rarely prescribed for good reason. Please do ensure you get it from a health professional as she will need to be monitored. Is Yasmin an option?

Do you have the report from the consultant? It should state the drug and the dose to be prescribed.

This report should have reached her GP. It's usually written to the GP and a copy sent to the patient or parent in your case.

If you don't have a copy of the report, call the consultants secretary and ask for a copy. Explain the problem. Then copy it and email the surgery for the attention of your GP.

The follow up with your GP with all the evidence you have, this should get it prescribed properly on a repeat prescription.

We have had difficulty with funding different forms of a particular drug. I did this and it's now on repeat every 30 days.
I was having to go in every 21 days to explain and get more.

We have had difficulty with funding different forms of a particular drug
The drug is DOUBLE RED listed in the OP's NHS / CCG area.

If it wasn't then your suggestion would be a good idea but if the CCG have decided not to fund the drug then it won't work.

What is the name of the drug that you were talking about in your post??

DD has tried Rigevidon, Cerelle, Noriday & Microgynon plus implant and injection this has been going on for years

She changed surgery moving house after Uni so registered with a new practise

If this one works she is loathed to change it - constant bleeding is a nightmare!