Access to antibiotics

[Thepainterswife]

Hi everyone, I’m just wondering how everyone manages getting a course of antibiotics during flare ups from their GP ? My husband is on a maintenance dose of Doxycycline , one a day from September to March every year but the GPS refuse to include antibiotics in his rescue pack . On the one hand we have the respiratory consultant saying we should have a course ready to take at the first sign of infection (and that one short course is not enough in my husbands case ) and on the other GP s saying they no longer issue antibiotics?? We have been fighting about this for quite a while now Is anyone else coming up against it ? Best wishes for a much Happier New Year to everyone 😃😃🙏🙏 xx

[Lol1944]

Simply advise your doctor of the NICE guidelines. If he/she refuses to comply make an official complaint. Waiting for a supply of antibiotics is a no no at the start of an exacerbation.

[sassy59]

I’d have a word with said GP who should not be withholding antibiotics! If the consultant is happy for your husband to take them that’s good enough surely. Pete has never had this problem I’m pleased to say. Xxx

[Kimlu]

Hi there, I agree with the other replies, must admit my GP is brilliant since the consultant wrote to her - would definitely ask your consultant to get in touch - you shouldn't have to beg for meds you need. Hope you get it sorted xx

[Bevvy]

I just can’t understand GPs who don’t agree with people who have long term conditions being in control of the situation.I am fortunate that even after moving. My gps have supported self management with no issues. I have steroid, antibiotics and nebulas for nebuliser at home. All on repeat prescription in case I have needed them.

All of this without needing a consultant letter.

[hypercat54]

A rescue pack is basically a short course of meds so they can be taken without having a doctors appointment and having access to them during holiday periods. As your husband needs them every day they should be included in his repeat prescriptions. If the doctor refuses seek the help of your consultant.

You can always complain via PALS and your practice manager.

[Thepainterswife in reply to hypercat54]

The one a day maintenance dose comes with the monthly prescription but we have to fight to get a full course in a rescue pack. The latest excuse when I argued with the receptionist and told her the consultant had authorised them was that they were no longer issuing them in the community due to covid but she would speak to the doctor . That was two weeks ago ! By chance the respiratory nurse rang today and her advice was in that case we should call out the GP if ever we thought he needed antibiotics but this is not the same as having them on hand 😡

[Bevvy in reply to Thepainterswife]

Ridiculous. What has Covid got to do with it.... when long term condition.What if unwell at weekend. Part of reason for rescue pack is so can take meds straight away!

[Thepainterswife in reply to Bevvy]

Exactly and now the respiratory nurse says if they won’t prescribe get the dr to come out, complete waste of time and money , after 17 years dealing with this complaint we’re pretty confident we know when antibiotics are needed . I wouldn’t mind but my husband only asked for two rescue packs in the last 12 months !

[Izb1 in reply to Thepainterswife]

Good luck with that, my surgery wont send a doctor out, even when I brought my mum home from Spain after having heart failure they wouldnt come to the home and would only see her in surgery , I had to get taxis x

[Thepainterswife in reply to Izb1]

That just beggars believe ! I’m beginning to wonder what our GPS are actually doing at the moment . I hate to say that , I have tremendous respect for the NHS staff but I cant say I’ve felt any real support from our surgery during this pandemic. It seems like they have gone to ground and left a warrior receptionist to ward of any would be patients. ! I hope your mums ok now xx

[Izb1 in reply to Thepainterswife]

Sorry Painterswife, this was over 10 years ago, Mum died in 2013 x

[madonbrew]

Could the consultant write a letter? I was having issues getting my diabetes test strips before I was on insulin although my consultant was wanting me to test regularly to see what was happening. I told my consultant that my gp wouldn’t prescribe them and she wrote to them and it’s been fine ever since.

[Oshgosh]

Perhaps you could ask the consultant to write to GP to stress the the need for a rescue pack. Good luck

[Thepainterswife]

The consultant has written , several times to the Gp on various issues . There are so many different doctors at the practice they just seem to pass the buck , not to mention certain receptionist who see themselves as self appointed GPS . My husband wouldn’t want to change practices, he’s been with the same one since childhood 70 years ago but I’m so tired of fighting. We have oxygen concentrators, nebulisers , steroids etc but getting antibiotics is like asking for gold !! I wouldn’t mind but before he was referred to the consultant 4 years ago , (which we had to fight tooth and nail for ) , the only thing they did was dish out antibiotics 🙄. Thanks for your advice everyone as this doesn’t seem to be normal practice I think I need to consider making an official complaint

[Susan1200]

Hi I had the same problem, from the pharmacist that works at the doctors surgery, I spoke to him over the phone, the hes telling how bad they are for everyone, I did manage to get a 7 day course. Last month I asked for a rescue pack the pharmacist said they stopped doing rescue pk about 8 months, I knew he was lieing.

I have left the country ,what a commotion for antibiotics ,there suppose to help, I don't understand the doctors anymore

[Thepainterswife in reply to Susan1200]

Exactly they just seem to keep changing the rules 🤷🏻‍♀️

[MoyB]

I'm also on doxycycline from November to April but I have my rescue pack too. The advice from my consultant is if I start an infection I am to stop the Doxy and start on my rescue antibiotics. I am to alternate these so either Amoxycilin or Clarithromycin.

My GP is happy to oblige.

xx Moy

[Thepainterswife in reply to MoyB]

That’s just as it should be You obviously have a much better GP than ours , 😊

[MoyB in reply to Thepainterswife]

When I hear of other peoples' experiences, I count my blessings. Xx

[Izb1]

I used to have a rescue pack on hand but after using it and wanting a replacement my gp told me they only issue rescue packs to severe copd patients now , so I have to phone for ab's, the only problem I have with that is collecting it when i feel so rotten x

[Thepainterswife in reply to Izb1]

I feel for you , It’s absolutely ridiculous ! My husband is currently stage 4 emphysema and was in intensive care early 2020 with respiratory failure and we have to fight just to get meds that are badly needed - unbelievable!

[Lol1944]

A reliable source tells me that anyone going to Thailand needs anti malaria tablets. These are available online without prescription, quantity determined by length of holiday, and are doxy. Purchased on request by many travellers.Just saying!! Just saying

[Thepainterswife in reply to Lol1944]

Thank you , that’s good to know 😃

[lesley53]

What you’re experiencing is unacceptable- I have all my antibiotics on repeat prescription online anytime I want to request .

Your consultant needs to know - they should be able to intervene .

If not In the past I’ve found a few good online pharmacies where I can buy my antibiotics- a last resort but you shouldn’t be in this position. You should be able to self manage your condition.

Good luck

[Thepainterswife in reply to lesley53]

Thank you I’ll look into the online pharmacies if necessary 😊 I get the impression the consultant politely requests the GP does something ( he sends us copies of the letters) , they comply at the time and then revert to their own policy . One of the respiratory nurses once told me that GPs aren’t always as cooperative at they would like 🤷🏻‍♀️

[lesley53 in reply to Thepainterswife]

I agree - I’ve bypassed my GP now - deal with your consultant if you can - so much more helpful - what you want is your emergency meds on repeat prescription and what I do is request my meds when I don’t always need them so I have a little stash at home 😉

[Thepainterswife in reply to lesley53]

😂 we try to do a bit of stockpiling but it’s difficult when you have no supply Geoff gets a monthly prescription and due to constant pestering and letters from the consultant that includes the winter maintenance one per day dose but they just will not include antibiotics in the rescue pack even though they have been told by the consultant in the past he needs a full course during an exacerbation 🤦🏻‍♀️

[lesley53 in reply to Thepainterswife]

Insanity isn’t it - my consultant says 2wks of co- amoxiclav- nothing else .

I’d make a complaint and really make a nuisance of myself - it’s the only way .

[Lol1944]

TryMy Pharmacy

If ever you need tablets for malaria for a holiday. Lol

[lesley53 in reply to Lol1944]

Simplymedsonline is good too 😉

[Mooka]

My rescue antibiotics are in my repeat and my consultants always request that I have some in stock when writing to my GP. However, in the past one of my consultants asked if I had a stock and did me a prescription on the spot. It could be the way to go when we are back to face to face appointments but obviously not helpful for you at the moment.

[Thepainterswife]

Thanks so much for all the advice everyone, one thing I’ve learned from you is that our situation whilst not being unique to us is not acceptable. I’m going to arrange a telephone appointment with the doctor and ask them exactly what their policy is on antibiotics and if I don’t get satisfaction I will definitely take it further 😡