No more prescriptions for antihistamines on the NHS

[Whizzymaz]

Hi, I'm a severe asthmatic both eosinophilic and allergic and I'm fortunate to be on monoclonal injections. However, I received a text from the surgery to say that they are no longer able to prescribe Hydroxyzine which is an antihistamine and have to buy it over the counter. Fine I thought, but when I called into a pharmacy I was told its not possible to buy Hydroxyzine over the counter. I asked if he could suggest an alternative which I could purchase and when I told him my reason for taking it he said no you must see your GP or consultant as I cannot start messing around with your medication your condition could start to deteriorate. Checked the internet when I arrived home to discover that indeed it can't be purchased over the counter the only place I found I was able to purchase this was overseas. Has anyone had a similar experience? I really don't mind paying for it if it was available to purchase. In the meantime my asthma will likely deteriorate not having this medication as it does on the rare occasion I have missed it.

[fraid]

Obviously go back to your GP and tell him so?

[Jamesd1986]

Sorry to hear this. I would definitely ask for an urgent appointment to discuss with your GP.... you could also try to taking piriton in combination with something like cetirizine. I do this personally and combine a drowsy with non-drowsy at night before bed and have been able to buy cetirizine in bulk from amazon.

I'm not too sure if there are benefits to the hydroxyzine? but hope you can get it sorted.

[Whizzymaz in reply to Jamesd1986]

Thanks James - I put a note to the pharmacist who sent the text and have left a message with the cliinical nurse at the severe asthma clinic who in turn either advises or clears things with the consultant, usually via email as the consultant only visits the hospital on a fortnightly basis. Interestingly several weeks ago I saw the gp as I had to go onto Prednisolone, and when there I asked if I could change the Hydroxyzine for a none drowsy version and she said we had better wait until I was stable as she didn’t want to fiddle around with meds as if I deteriorated we wouldn’t know whether it was the medication change or something else.

[Jamesd1986 in reply to Whizzymaz]

ah ok, that makes complete sense and you should definitely check with you asthma specialists before making changes, opposed to talking to people on the internet! I can say that I have been told it is safe to mix a non-drowsy and drowsy (old type) of anti histamine together, and I do this personally, but best to check with your nurses etc for advice on any new medications - especially if you have found something that works for you. Good luck!

[risabel59]

Hi Whizzymaz,

I still get my antihistime prescribed by my GP it is Fexofenadine 180. It works well for me in combination with Dymista (a nasal spray which is a steroid /antihistamine combo). Like James said I would make a G/P appointment asap, or phone call and talk about options. Also you could call your consultants secretary and ask for their imput.

Also worth calling the Asthma lung UK helpline.

Cheers

R

[Whizzymaz in reply to risabel59]

Thanks Isabel59 I know quite a few asthmatics are on Fexofenadine, is it none drowsy? I also get a steroid nose spray called Mometasone for post nasal drip, prescribed by the hospital. If I don’t get anywhere I will contact the helpline. Cheers

[risabel59 in reply to Whizzymaz]

Fexofenadine is non drowsy, the strong version of it 180 is only available on prescription and my gp does not have a problem prescribing it.

[berylmcgowan1]

I had the same message from my surgery too. I have an appointment next week and am going to ask my GP to prescribe it as it was prescribed by my asthma nurse.

Asthmatics should be given it on prescription, it’s all to save money but if we end up having an attack it would cost more than a pack of antihistamines.!

[Whizzymaz in reply to berylmcgowan1]

Thanks for replying, I wonder what else they will cut. I don’t mind buying it but Hydroxyzine is prescription only which seems ironic that the surgery pharmacist is telling me to go buy it! According to the severe asthma consultant, I’m allergic to just about everything you breathe in. If I’m not kept stable I tend to end up running around in an ambulance, and as you say that costs more than a pack of strong antihistamines.

[berylmcgowan1 in reply to Whizzymaz]

Good luck

Stay well

[Troilus]

Hi Whizzmax. My GP surgery has not prescribed antihistamines for a long time. I have an antihistamine nasal spray which is prescription only. This is not on my repeat prescription because it is not on the formulary? and would be deleted. However, this has been authorised and is available on request. Maybe your GP can do the same with yours?

[Whizzymaz in reply to Troilus]

Hi Troilus thanks for replying, perhaps he/she could well do that.

[Bevvy]

I was literally discussing this issue with someone this morning. Again person has asthma and hay fever. Can NOT get hay fever medication without prescription. After arguing with receptionist and consultation with gp that a prescription would be supplied! I understand rules etc but there is too much of this blanket ban on items when some people do not fit into the box and need items prescribing!!

[Patk1]

I still get fenofexadine on prescription