Italian holiday- asthma flare up - can pharmacists sell me prednisone without prescription from doctor?

[flossiew]

I don't know if anyone can help, but does anybody know if I can purchase prednisone over the counter without a prescription from a doctor? I believe I read something to that effect on a website somewhere.

Just to explain: I knew my asthma was playing up just before I left home on Friday as my peak flow had dropped by 20%; I was coughing much more than usual and my chest felt "raw" so I saw my GP who gave me an emergency supply 5 day course of steroids. He said only to take them if necessary as he felt my chest wasn't unduly wheezy. (I did tell him it usually takes a longer course of steroids to help, but he was reluctant to give me longer than the 5 days despite telling him I would be abroad.)

Since arriving on holiday my peak flow dropped by 30% and am coughing up mucus so I started taking them on Saturday.

My course of steroids runs out tomorrow morning and I know I need more to tide me over till I get home on Saturday pm. It has taken the edge off our enjoyment of our holiday, due to lack of sleep caused by coughing and hay fever/cold... But at least I can enjoy an alcoholic beverage to celebrate my husband's birthday on Thursday as I won't have any tablets to take by then!

I am not near a major city, I am staying at Lake Garda, where there's a few large towns.

Thanks in anticipation of anyone's help 😊

[PMRPete]

Hospital of Desenzano d / G

Location Montecroce - 25015 Desenzano del Garda (Bs)

Tel. [phone]

[e-mail]

[flossiew in reply to PMRPete]

Thanks for the info- much appreciated

[Bucketlist]

This is spooky! I cancelled my holiday to Verona and Lake Garda last week , because I had a ‘blip’ with my Asthma, I felt so rotten that it would have spoilt everyone’s holiday so our friends went on their own.

My Asthma Nurse wouldn’t give me any Steroids to take with me ‘just in case’ and said that in Italy I would have to be seen by a Doctor to get a prescription.

Hope you are having a lovely time and that you get some more Meds soon.

[flossiew in reply to Bucketlist]

It is rather spooky! And sorry to hear you had to cancel/ postpone your holiday here.

As I was feeling much better when I left the UK we went ahead, but it's rather disconcerting how quickly things can change.

I still feel rough as there's been no improvement in my symptoms, and if I was back home I would be off to my surgery asap - as it is, I think a visit to a local doctor will be on today's itinerary!

I hope you're feeling better and will be able to rearrange your holiday to this beautiful area before long 😊 xxx

[Bucketlist]

Me too Flossie, hope you get an appointment very soon and get some meds.

[flossiew in reply to Bucketlist]

Thanks 😊xxx

[paula66]

Hope you’ll be ok ..my gp or asthma nurse give me a rescue pack every time I go away I’m sure with chest problems you are entitled to it ask when you get home ..it’s a week course of antibiotic and steroids x

[flossiew in reply to paula66]

My asthma nurse gave me a rescue pack when I went to France a couple of years ago so I don't know why my GP couldn't! Clear as mud!!

[flossiew]

All sorted folks. Going to put update on the site so others know what the set up here is. Thanks to all for your concern xx

[Chrisatsaydo]

Hi Flossiew with regards to your question re prednisone

Yes you can, just take your packet to a pharmacist they will supply you, I have done it

myself in Spain no problem

Good luck

regards chrisatsaydo

[flossiew in reply to Chrisatsaydo]

I have just got another pack of pred to tide me over till we get home. Such a relief. 😊

[Chrisatsaydo in reply to flossiew]

That’s good , I hope you get better soon , have a good holiday. 👍🙂☀️

[flossiew in reply to Chrisatsaydo]

Just glad I don't need to go looking for steroids now - for my breathing's sake as well as for my husband's sanity as I was worried I wouldn't be able to get any - not good!! We can both enjoy his birthday tomorrow and relax 😊

[Robin77]

Happy that flossiew sorted this perfectly with a very nice pharmacist!

Italian public hospitals would also respond kindly and professionally in emergencies like this.

Just go to the nearest Pronto Soccorso (A&E). You may wait a while if you're not at high risk, but you'll get the help you need eventually.

[flossiew in reply to Robin77]

I am still feeling pretty rough this morning, so a visit to the Italian version of A&E may figure before our holiday is over, but will tough it out today and see how I do. Abx may well be next on the agenda, but thankfully neither they, nor steroids can stop my enjoyment of caffe con gelato! 😂😊

[Robin77 in reply to flossiew]

That's the spirit! Let me know if you're ever where I am and we'll go to my best favourite coffee and gelato places. ☺🍦☕ Look after yourself, maybe ask the pharmacist which Pronto Soccorso he'd recommend in case of need. Fingers crossed for the coffee and gelato treatment.