GP and chemist refusing to issue inhalers

[rfir6]

I have been prescribed blue inhalers for many years.

I dont use them that often but if I get a cold it can be triggered. Having read other posts on this site I realise its common for people to have 'triggers'. In which case the inhaler is of serious importance.

Now bearing in mind corona virus in UK it is better to be prepared.

I looked at my inhaler and realised it was expired as was the spare.

I rang my GP and asked for a repeat prescription of inhalers. Simple right? Well if we have one of the best health services in the world you should not expect any less.

They checked the PMR and said the prescription would be ready to collect on Thursday.

On Thursday i went to collect it and was told it was not ready! Great. Then they said they would arrange the local chemist to deliver it.

Waited and it wasnt delivered. Rang the chemist they said the prescription had not been received yet. Then it was the weekend and everyone was closed.

So then i went to a chemist in a bit of panic, and asked for an emergency supply of the inhaler. Having worked in a chemist I know that this should be allowed if patient has been prescribed these before. They checked some sort of networked PMR and said it was last prescribed just about a year ago,so they cant issue emergency supply... really?

I then rang GP back and asked why they hadnt delivered the medication. They said the GP had rejected the request for inhaler due to 'not being asthmatic'. Eh?

Guess what if that was true, great news its a good thing but as people reading this may know it can be triggered by different events sometimes unexpected and you should always keep inhaler with you, am i right?

I complained and then they said you need a asthma review, they booked me in but it TWO WEEKS times...

Now on the news we read about corona virus, its symptoms and that government may ask people to self isolate and not go out.

If this is the case is it not an emergency to supply me a blue inhaler, even if just the one? Even if there was no virus outbreak the fact fact that I would be without inhaler for two weeks is a good enough reason for emergency supply.

The pharmacist who refused emergency supply said I should ring 111 and ask them to send them a prescripion for the inhaler, I tried to ring them and could not get through at all. I went to 111 website and after completing their questions they said you should contact your GP.

So basically they sending people round in circles for medication which can be life saving right?

What can I do to make sure i get an inhaler?

[Damon1864]

Oh dear how awful for you, you should have your inhaler bless you. Good luck getting one let us know how you are doing have a good day and take care of yourself 😊 Bernadette xx

[Helen0304 in reply to Damon1864]

Hi, sorry to hear that you are struggling to get the inhaler. Nobody knows what to do in all this chaos so they are sending us round in circles to avoid having to make a decision.

I was the same a couple of months ago when I realised that my inhaler was out of date. I went to do a repeat prescription online but it wasn't on there.

My husband has asthma and so we were sharing his until my appointment with the asthma nurse which I had to wait 2 months for.

It turned out that they had removed my blue inhaler because I am on Fostair and this is meant to be used as a preventer and a reliever.

I knew that but I said that my Fostair is kept in my bathroom to remind me to take it morning and evening, if i take that out with me to use as a reliever then I would be likely to forget to take it as a preventer.

The asthma nurse agreed to issue me with the ventolin. It is just common sense but unfortunately alot of that is being missed at the moment.

[rfir6]

I have made a post about this same issue yesterday, however due to needing some meds and the doctors phone being engaged over 30 minutes I had to go to another local chemist to try an emergency supply or get any help.

Today I visited another pharmacy. There was a asian pharmacist, I spent a good 5-10 minutes discussing my situation. I explained that I had tried to ring my GP but was unable to get through. I explained both my inhalers were past their expiry date. I gave them consent to check my PMR or records. I told them I had previously been prescribed it. I gave all the information I am entitled to give as per the NHS website which I read fully.

I was denied a supply of any medication and told to ring my GP. I felt really frustrated and almost distraught.

Atfer this I visited another chemist near me and was able to get an emergency supply giving them the exact same details I had given to the three other chemists I visited in Blackburn.

In a bit of confusion I went back to the chemist in Blackburn:

I then asked the same pharmacist for her full name and registration number.

At this point the pharmacist got defensive and denied to give me her details which I am entitled to by law.

I persisted to ask for her details she still denied this. She then asked me for my name and GP name. She then said if I gave her my details she would ring the GP and 'gaurantee' a prescription and dispense it. I refused to give my details as this completely contradicted her first decision and I had already got an inhaler. She then persisted to try and help me however this was inappropriate and unprofessional, as you should not have to threaten to complain nor beg a health care professional for medication you am entitled to. I then got her name and reg number and complained to the NHS and pharmacy authority. In a way i feel bad and sorry for having a need to even do this, but the service is not professional and unsafe.

If the pharmacists judgement was right the first time and it was professional and not biased in any way they would not be worried if a complaint was made, nor would they change their decision. Maybe a pharmacist has the right to refuse service however I had no previous issues or complaints with any of these pharmacists.

I am now slightly suspicious of the competence of some of the local pharmacists, it seems as though there is some hidden agenda preventing them from providing professional health care (probaby because they are driven by money not job satisfaction)

I have been angered, frustrated and put under unnecessary stress as well as putting my health at risk. It has also cost me an extra £9 as well as transport costs. The whole country is currently worried about the corona virus and health care professionals should be doing their best to help those at need especially if there is any chance of self isolation.

When I got the prescription the chemist then refused to deliver the medication. I was asked to visit and collect in person from the chemist which is about 5-10 minutes drive. I am not sure if this is an appropriate level of professional service.

[MrsCMK]

Hey. Sorry to hear of your ordeal. I completely understand your frustration but thought I’d offer a little advice.

As an asthmatic, it’s right that you should always have a supply of your rescue inhaler (and other medication for that matter). It’s a great thing that you last ordered one a year ago, that means you’re well controlled (and I’m slightly envious by the way). However, pharmacists can only offer an emergency supply at their discretion as they are essentially “selling” a Pharmacy Only Medication without a prescription.

I certainly think that you should try another pharmacy, taking with you either your out-of-date inhaler or a copy of your repeat as proof. As long as a pharmacist has proof that you’re prescribed that inhaler and can satisfy themselves that the emergency supply is necessary, most will dispense and supply. They are allowed to refuse unfortunately. I always ensure that I’m a month in hand of all my medication, just in case.

I really do hope that you get a supply very soon and that you stay well until you do so. Good luck!!

[rfir6]

yes this is true however pharmacists are bound by the regulations and laws of their profession. There first duty is to ensure the health and wellbeing of their patients, I can show the links to the website. This has to take priority over cost and other things like 'i cant be bothered'

The NHS website also states you can get emergency supply. if you run out of medication and the doctor appointment is earliest in 2 weeks is that not an emergency?

You shouldnt have to be crawling on the floor in pain for it to be considered an emergency.

Theres also the thing you said about being prepared. Well with Covid breakout and all that people dont know what the situation will be in 2 weeks.

The chemist I rang said they will not deliver my medication due to corona virus outbreak and having to deliver to elderly, so basically they are saying they will only deliver to elderly patients.