Can I get Carbociteine long term on prescription

[bikergrove]

After a chest infection I have been given Carbocisteine It has made such a difference to me as I have lots of thick sticky mucus, which I had before my chest infection. I have been told I can only have a short course of this medicine as they do not prescribe it long term. Is this usual or is is down to cost. Can my healthunlocked friends help?

[Spacecat1]

I have been on carbinstine for over 3 years and get it on prescription monthly arrange with your nurse gp or consultant. Predesoline can be short term

[bikergrove in reply to Spacecat1]

Thank you so much Spacecat I had a feeling I was being fobbed off, my surgery is not the best it seems.

[Its-me2 in reply to bikergrove]

I’m currently in the south of France and arrived with a slight chest infection which didn’t improve so today I visited a pharmacy asking for Guaifenesin and they after a quick consultation gave me a bottle of Carbocisteine cost about 5,50€… I’m only here because I’d never heard of it..

[2greys]

I have had Carbocisteine, that I take daily, on repeat prescription for 6 years. ".....they do not prescribe it long term" this is just not true. Perhaps that may be true for those that do not have a chronic lung disease.

[bikergrove in reply to 2greys]

Thanks 2 greys, I was prepared to try and buy it if possible, I ham not supported very well by my surgery.

[2greys in reply to bikergrove]

Carbocisteine is prescription only. I do believe that you can get something similar over the counter and that is called N-Acetylcysteine (or NAC). Some say NAC works better for them. It is effervescent, dissolve in a glass of water.

[bikergrove in reply to 2greys]

Thank you but i should really be prescribed it as i have severe COPD

[2greys in reply to bikergrove]

Yes you should, expelling mucus is very important. If mucus gets trapped in your lungs it can breed bacteria and the result is yet another infection. Each time you get an infection you run the risk of causing yet more damage. If your GP refuses to prescribe it, which I do not understand, you are entitled to get a second opinion.

[leo60]

I have Carbocisteine on repeat prescription! If it helps you, don't be fobbed off by a useless surgery! Good luck xx

[bikergrove in reply to leo60]

Will try them again when I have used the ones I have and see if they will change their mind. Thanks for your reply

[Oshgosh]

I e had Carbocysteine for over 6 years.It’s on repeat prescription.

I have lung disease,Carbocysteine makes life much easier as it thins the mucus and makes it much easier to clear my chest.

You say you had loads of sticky. mucus

Prior to getting chest infection.

If you can keep your chest reasonably clear,you will not be as prone to infection..

If you look on the British Lung. Foundation website and enter chest clearance, there’s loads of information.

[bikergrove in reply to Oshgosh]

Thanks for your help and reply

[Lol1944]

You should be getting it long term. Not sure where in uk you are but if you run out before getting it sorted on continuous repeat I just may have a few spare(lol) I could let you have

[bikergrove in reply to Lol1944]

Oh that is so kind of you, but I will sort something out, I live in North Wales

[Lol1944]

Just notice a previous post. Suggest you do not wait until your existing supply runs out before tackling the gp. Get it sorted before then

[bikergrove in reply to Lol1944]

/thanks I will take your advice

[Carnival567]

I have had carbocisteine ever since I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis 12 years ago. It has always been on repeat prescriptions both from my last Gp and my current one, but it was originally prescribed by my consultant. The first Gp was English and my current one Welsh. If you see a consultant for an ongoing lung disease ask them about it, but if you only see your Gp then they may be limited in what they can prescribe. Worth investigating further I should think.

[bikergrove in reply to Carnival567]

thanks for your reply, my surgery has been joined up with two other doctors surgeries and just to get through on phone is usually over an hour.

[peege]

Have you read the leaflet? I'm sure I recall my gp telling me that it doesn't work instantly & that it takes 2 or 3 weeks to kick in, I also askedif it wax a noxious drug and was it expensiveto the nhs. He said no to both. I've got it on repeat prescription too, about 8 years now and it still works. When 1st prescribed I had to take 2 capsules 3 times daily for 3 months then down to twice daily.

[bikergrove]

Thanks Peege I have found a letter on internet to all GP's in my area about the prescribing of Carbocisteine and it makes it clear they don't want to give it if they can possibly get away with short term rather than a repeat prescription

[Mooka]

Mine is prescribed and has been since I was diagnosed with Bronchiectasis. It was my consultant who told GP to prescribe. Do you have a consultant who could add this to your list of meds. It’s not cost effective to deny you this as the mucus will make you more liable to infections and the need for antibiotics or even further treatment. Time to get your elbows out. Good luck.

[bikergrove in reply to Mooka]

Thanks Mooka I have never seen a consultant,I was diagnosed by my respiratory nurse.But will have another try to get them to prescribe it for me.

[Carnival567]

I think it would be a good idea to ask for a referral to a consultant for a proper diagnosis as you are entitled to. What did the nurse diagnose you with, and how?

[bikergrove in reply to Carnival567]

I was diagnosed with severe COPD and never offered an appointment with a specialist. Thanks for your interest Carnival.

[Carnival567]

I certainly think a consultant’s opinion would be useful, at least you would find out what’s what. All the best x

[MoyB]

I'm on it long term. My consultant prescribed it last November. It's on my repeat prescription and I have been told I can continue taking it for ever if necessary. Hope this helps. xx Moy

[bikergrove in reply to MoyB]

Thanks so much Moy,I did ask my gp when I had a chest infection previous to the one Ive just had and was told unfortunately they do not prescribe it,it was a locum doctor, my surgery seems to be having difficulty getting doctors. Now my respiratory nurse although she is very nice has also said they will only give it for a short term course. Iwill keep trying but these trying times don't help and I think my healthboard are cutting back where they can due to finances.

[MoyB in reply to bikergrove]

You may be right about that! I have heard others talk about the difficulty of getting some meds prescribed recently, but if you need it, they surely shouldn't deny it.

Have you tried an email to them asking them to explain why they are no longer able to prescribe it long term? There may have been new research which shows it is best used as and when required.

I am finding more and more that a written request seems to carry more weight and believe this is because there is a paper trail that makes people accountable.

If they are able to give you a good reason, then fair enough but if not, take it further. Xx Moy

[bikergrove]

Thanks again i will try that if I get any joy will let u know.