Re: Toothpaste on prescription?

if treatments are available at chemists it will take a lot of pressure off doctors and then they can see people with more serious ailments/illness and we may be able to see a doctor quicker. I think it's a good thing. Chemists are very highly trained and usually know what they are talking about.

Re: Toothpaste on prescription?

Very interesting.In my recent prescription delivery was some Eye ointment & some Tears eye lotion,which I never ordered.I had these last year when I had a very bad eye infection,but my eyes have been clear for a long time now
One ward I was in in hospital I was given a small tooth brush & toothpaste,there was shampoo & showergel available,But though Ive been in hospital a few times since no other ward has supplied anything

Re: Toothpaste on prescription?

I don't think there is anything wrong with hospitals supplying toiletries particularly when people come in via an ambulance and don't have any friends to bring in what they need. Hospitals certainly need plenty of soap and antibacterial to keep germs from patients and visitors to a minimum. The problem is if companies are over charging the NHS for these products.

Re: Toothpaste on prescription?

During my last cancer I lost something like 3 Stones and my GP prescribed me Complan but made clear that they were moving away from this practice as it was classed as a food.

I've got a small toiletries bag into which I stow my toothbrush,toothpaste, special soap I use and my razor blades.

This all resides in my 2 largish (going to hospital bags) in which I have enough clothes to last me. My only complaint is that hospital wards should have their own washing machines as it's a real hassle,living alone and having to have others bring in fresh clothes if I run out.

Re: Toothpaste on prescription?

I do have seb derm and when it was first diagnosed I took the prescription as at that time a script was around £4 and to buy over the counter was £6 and I was piss poor

now I get free scripts and I buy OTC because now I can afford to

Re: Toothpaste on prescription?

Some of these conditions can have complications that are more expensive to treat if they become more serious.

Re: Toothpaste on prescription?

yep they all sound like basic pom diseases caused by living in inclement climates?

Re: Toothpaste on prescription?

Pharmacists/Chemists are indeed very highly qualified - in their own field. They are not, however, qualified to diagnose. Cans of worms and compensation claims come to mind here.

Does this new ruling mean we are to self diagnose and just go and buy what we think we need?

Or, are GP's going diagnose - then send us off to the pharmacy to buy the meds instead of prescribing them?

I can see the point of some of it - a lot of people, especially those exempt from charges, ask for basics such as Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, bandages, plasters etc., to be added to a prescription - when they are perfect cheap to buy over the counter in many supermarkets.

I am all for saving NHS money - but have uneasy feeling about this one.

Would you - or a Pharmacist - know for sure the difference between mild cyctitis and a UTI? Or between heartburn and a potential heart attack warning?

Re: Toothpaste on prescription?

I would say it's the latter. The doctor would diagnose and advise you what to buy. My GP already does. You need a prescription for paracetamol because they only give you 32 OTC because of the suicide risk. They tend to give you a months worth in a prescription. It's really for people who are at home recovering from an op or have chronic pain. One of the links posted said that this is not a blanket ban and vulnerable people will be exempt.

Re: Toothpaste on prescription?

That's the usual procedure in many countries .
Some people just want everything for free.
Drugs with a oredscriotion cost more than buying them OTC because of the prescription charge.