What do you think?

Leaving politics alone. How do you think Brexit is going to affect people who has asthma? Also what do you think to Labour party changing the rules for asthmatics?

[Thomas45]

How can you leave politics alone in replying to your questions? If you voted to leave the European Union, you'll be ecstatic when it happens. If you see a political party is promising free prescriptions, you'll probably remember that same party said it would honour the result of the Referendum,but in reality has opposed the result on every occasion.

I would not be swayed into voting for any party based on just one of its policies.

[Minushabens]

My honest answer is that anyone who claims to know either how this fiasco will end or what impact it might have on anything is either deluded or lying. Truth be told, none of us have got a clue.

[emmasue]

I voted to leave and do not wish to change my mind. However, this morning, I tried to pick up my repeat prescriptions and the chemist said that the manufacturer cannot supply the Spiriva inhaler at the moment. I am okay for a month because I have just started a new one. There are alternative inhalers that deliver the same medication and perhaps a different chemist has access to a different manufacturer. It may have nothing to do with Brexit or it may, I don't really know. It was just a bit of a surprise. As for the prescription chargers, it would be nice to not have to pay prescription charges but I currently pay £104 a year for my prescriptions which I consider fair. I take so much from the NHS in terms of health care that I don't mind giving a little back. No, I can't really afford it as I can't work at the moment. I understand the argument for free prescriptions. However, I also understand the argument against. It's a tough one.

[Nanny1086 in reply to emmasue]

Hi there , I to voted to leave ,and nothing has changed my mind , I could never understand why I had to pay for my asthma prescription medication,,,,but as soon as I was diagnosed with an under active thyroid I not only got that medication free but also all my asthma medication,up till then like you I took out a yearly prepaid payment and I was happy to pay it , over the years my medication list increased 3/4 inhalers alone so I dread to think how much my prescription would cost these days , I’m now age 73 and pleased I get free prescriptions, but if I had to pay ,,,,I’d take out the yearly prepaid prescription, I must have cost the nhs a fortune over the years ,and I’m very appreciative of the care I receive ,all in all we are extremely lucky to have our wonderful nhs ,,,long may it continue,,,,but I can see big changes to the way the nhs is run/used in years to come ,

[emmasue in reply to Nanny1086]

I agree. I feel bad that I use the NHS so much but I am so thankful that it is there. I grew up in America but have lived here all my adult life. My parents want me to move home but to me, England is home. I keep reminding them that I couldn't get affordable health care if I moved back to America. It isn't the only reason but one that they can understand at least. American health care isn't all it's cracked up to be. People do go without care. The NHS can be too rigid and it's a postcode lottery for certain services but at least you don't have to worry about not receiving care. I wish I didn't need it so much, but I am glad it's there.

[chillymaid in reply to emmasue]

I was changed from Spiriva to Braltus about 3 years ago. Told the reason was price.

[emmasue in reply to chillymaid]

Thanks for this. I see the asthma nurse next week so will see if there is an alternative.

[Blue-Breeze in reply to emmasue]

I have never been able to get my Spiriva at the Chemist. It's not shelf stock but held at the manufacturer. Only ever got to almost run out once (came Friday afternoon). So my GP prescribed my one mid way. That way I now have one full one at home if it happens again. Plus I start before the 60 as soon I see the puff come out and go beyond the 0 of each inhaler.

[emmasue in reply to Blue-Breeze]

Thanks. Maybe it isn't Brexit related then.

[Nutzs47]

I thought labours plan was free prescriptions for all which is nothing new and unfortunately is probably never going to happen .I'm lucky my drs prescribe me most of my meds in triplicate so usually get 3 mths supply of each inhaler for one prescription charge per type and i also prepay which saves me a lot and they also come in a carrier bag as i have 3 diff inhalers ,a nasal spray and montelukast .i am also lucky that i haven't had a prob getting any of my meds even spiriva but if the greedy pharmaceutical companies take advantage of the brexit debacle who knows what the future holds