Thank you - regarding generic brand meds

[Pitterpat]

Thank you to everyone who replied to my post about this. Really a great help and advice.

I spoke with the GP pharmacist today and she was very helpful and understanding and is going to ensure that the brand names are on my prescription. There was no argument at all or any problem moving from generic to the brands I have been on up to now. She is even going to issue a new Flecanaide prescription for the Mylan one which I can exchange for the generic one I was given.

I know it was certainly helpful in the conversation that I could mention I was part of this group and the AFib Association, and had gained some of your feedback and experience, so I came across as knowledgeable!!

Thank you all very much again x

[jeanjeannie50]

It's good to hear that your pharmacist was so helpful and obliging.

[Visitingcat]

hi

When you mention your GP Pharmacist, is this a pharmacist actually at your surgery? Do you get your meds there or do they issue the Persciptions to separate pharmacies?

Just wondering if it’s worth going into my surgery and asking for an appointment to speak to someone regarding this.

I’ve just replied to your other post before seeing this one as I’m having problems with this myself.

I’m so glad you have had this sorted.

[Pitterpat in reply to Visitingcat]

Hi there, When I complained to my GP reception about getting the generic meds, they arranged for me to talk to their pharmacist based in their group practice. It was a phone call so I don't know if they are actually there in the building. It is definitely not the same as the pharmacy where I go to collect my medicines.

I have spoken to the GP pharmacist before when I wanted to discuss Apixaban and its effect on my liver and my blood test results. It was a very helpful discussion and they also followed up by checking on my weight as I am close to 60kg and they said that if I lost more weight they would look at possibly reducing the dosage . So I thought that was pretty impressive and pro-active.

So from my experience I would definitely recommend you find out if your GP practice has a resident pharmacist you can chat to. If not, then I have found the dispensing pharmacist (a local one to me, not a big chain like Boots) to be very kind and helpful too. But they don't have any influence over what the GP prescribes, although it seems clear to me that the GP resident pharmacist does.

Hope that is helpful. Please do come back with any other queries.

All the best.

[Visitingcat]

Thank you so much that’s really helpful info, I’ll call in next time I’m out and ask if they have a pharmacist or anyone I can speak to.

I was taken off apixaban by a text that you were allowed one reply to, they ignored my objections and told me it would be great as I would only have to take it once a day, how I’ll manage to remember to keep taking flecainade twice a day now is anybodys guess lol 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Pitterpat in reply to Visitingcat]

😂😂

[Buffafly in reply to Visitingcat]

Our practice has an ‘inhouse’ pharmacist as well. If yours doesn’t you should suggest it - they are very useful.

[Frances123]

My surgery has an in house pharmacist and also someone called a pharmacy technician?

[Singwell]

Glad you got sorted. Like Jean I found that the Accord brand of Flecainide suited me best and asked my pharmacist to order it. I explained that on the other brand - forget which now - my heart would race in the afternoons (I took it twice a day at that point). I also now take levothyroxine for thyroid problems and it's even in the NICE guidelines that some people will need a particular brand for improved absorption. So, responding to different brands ain't all in the head 😀

[Tapanac]

what was the generic flecainide you were on originally as I was on Mylan I’m sure but was changed

Glad things have been sorted out for you. Bet it was a relief x

[Pitterpat in reply to Tapanac]

The generic Flecainide I was given was in a blue and white pack and it said Tillomed on the blue wavy patch on the side.

Yes super glad it is sorted now 😀

[Tapanac in reply to Pitterpat]

Aaah I don't think I recognise that one. Thank you. I'm pleased for you too x