Leave me to manage my own condition

[ririd69]

I have had asthma since i was four years old. I am now nearly fifty. The last few years I have bypassed the NHS and my local GP by ordering my Inhalers online. It is slightly more expensive but very efficient service with at least one company guaranteeing delivery the next day. Wonderful! Now, however, I have been informed that these online companies are unable to provide me with more than two inhalers every six months, due to new legislation. I am furious. "Simple online Pharmacy"cancelled my order and refunded me without even bothering to inform me. Resulting in my now having to travel abroad without a spare Inhaler, this after they had confirmed my order. I would assume, with so much pressure on the NHS at present, that GPs would be glad to have time freed up from endlessly signing repeat prescriptions. But no. So it's back to square one. Back to see the asthma nurse every six months. Back to a two day wait for prescriptions. Why on earth can't theses people simply allow me to manage my condition as i see fit. Who are they to decide how many inhalers I may have at any one time. I rely on these things to live my life, I thoroughly resent this interference.

[hypercat54]

Hi this does sound nonsense but I am wondering if it is due to new research which says if you need to use your ventolin inhaler more than 3/4 times a week then it needs investigation? I hope you find some answers.

I reckon your pharmacist would know why so ask at your chemists. x

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Hi yes it does sound silly. I have a similar situation (order online, delivered to door). I get 6 repeats before I have to go back to my GP for review (I have severe asthma so can easily go through a pump or more a month). The main issue I get is I have multiple pumps on the go (spares in work/uni bag plus on site and then dotted in various other places) and all my spares seem to run out at the same time (every 3-4months) and I can’t bulk order to replace them which does end with me seeing my GP just for more vent 🙄.

If you’re not going to be able to order more than 2 every 6 weeks then it may be worth asking your GP for a ‘multiple’ script so you can pick up 2 on one repeat...

I think it is meant to cover people overusing the inhaler instead of seeking help, and help control people’s asthma better, but for someone already with a good method of managing their condition who is experienced it is stupid.

Hope it gets sorted for you soon xxx

[M-D-F]

By the sound of your rant, you don't seem to want to visit your doctor or surgery, for whatever reason.

This ruling is probably designed to stop people over using drugs they no longer need.

How have you managed to get repeats without an actual prescription.

I am able to order mine on line, and still have them delivered, so where is the problem.

[Weeannie]

I’m more than happy for my Doc and Asthma nurse to help me manage my asthma and my COPD. Knowing that 3 people (or more) drop down dead every day in the UK from an asthma attack keeps me getting my regular check ups. I can’t understand why you’d prefer to get your meds online without being checked out at least once a year, but, that’s just me

[Anniecath]

Yup, I am similar to you. I have had asthma all my life, am now nearly 64. I have lung damage due to being prescribed wrong asthma medication for years,while I was at Uni, it has taken approx 30 years to get to a regime that works for me. When I moved 8 years ago new practice bludgeoned me into changing inhalers. I thought I was going to die. I had palpitations, fast pulse, sweating etc. Only changed back after I argued with them over the phone. Moved to another practice where the asthma nurse would only let me get Qvar and Serevent inhalers together, even when I pointed out that they ran out at different times because they had different amounts of medication in them. She insisted it was the only safe way to prescribe them as they had to be taken together. I insisted that I was 60 odd not 6 years old and I was well aware they had to be taken together. On my third practice now, but havn't a clue where my medical records are. And they wonder why we don't want to attend asthma clinics ! Have now got an asthma nurse who actually listens to what I am saying and this makes all the difference in the world. I am now back in the system but on constant alert to any attempt to change my regime. Hope you manage to sort things out.