Cost of dispersible aspirin on prescription

[julesg56]

The cost of over the counter 75mg dispersible aspirin is only pence. Would it be better to buy it this way rather than through prescription in an effort to help save NHS money??

[Sentipede]

I totally agree. I stopped getting aspirin on prescription a few months ago when I realised that I could buy 3 months supply for around £1.50.

[Chappychap]

Yes, absolutely. Unless you qualify for free prescriptions you should always weigh the cost of "over the counter" medicines against the prescription charge. Many pharmacists actually point this out to customers.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Indeed, I think it is often out on prescription as some people might comply less - yes it's pennies to buy but human behaviour is bizarre.

I was prescribed isosorbide mononitrate after a private consultation. The cost was about a pound more than the prescription charge.

I am entitled to free prescriptions but buy the baby aspirin as it's so cheap. It is best to leave it on your repeat so any clinic will know you are not self medicating - you don't want to go into hospital and have it denied!

[stevejb1810]

You would actually cost the NHS money since you pay more on prescription than the NHS pays for it (overheads aside, the NHS actually makes money on it). Aspirin is one example of this but it’s true for paracetamol and ibuprofen as well (all can be bought cheaper OTC than on prescription).

I get my prescriptions free because I’m over 60 and aspirin is on that list. Personally I think I should pay for all of my prescription meds until I hit state pension age (67) but no political party is going to go with that any time soon.

[julesg56 in reply to stevejb1810]

I also get my prescriptions free - so am trying to save NHS money in this small way. I certainly couldn't afford all my prescriptions as I have other conditions as well, much as I would like to.

[stevejb1810 in reply to julesg56]

I hadn't appreciated that you get free scripts. That being the case, then clearly if you do not get aspirin on script you are saving the NHS money, albeit a very small sum. Having said that, if the NHS were to stop prescribing meds that are freely available OTC, collectively we could save the NHS a hell of a lot of money. The NHS has realised this already and is stopping the prescribing of a number of products that are freely available

[Hidden]

I do 95p for 28 tablets in Tescos. So i get these rather than prescription, they are also coated so reduce impact on digestive system

[Astromeria in reply to Hidden]

Go to Boots. You get 56 enteric coated for one pound thirty five.

[Hidden in reply to Astromeria]

Excellent tip. Thank you

[Ruder1]

Yes. I will start buying it.

[benjijen]

I am eligible for free prescriptions as well. I buy enteric coated aspirin over the counter. As people have already stated, it costs pennies. If it were an expensive item I wouldn't be able to.

[Prada47]

Hi My GP said to leave it on my Prescription then she and others know I am on Dual Platelet therapy. after my year on this I will buy my own Aspirin.

Regards

[bobaxford]

I agree, I had been prescribed statins, beta blocker and aspirin 15 years ago, but when I stopped taking statins and didn’t need beta blocker after bypass operation I then decided to buy my own aspirin - it also saves by not needing to see GP every 4 months to renew prescription.

[LizzieN2]

Y

[LizzieN2]

Yes I am 74 so always buy my own aspirin and painkillers. Not sure of the advantage of coated aspirin as mine are dispersed in water to have after a meal

[Blue_Fisherman]

Well I must be the only one to use the system as it is intended.

[jamin100]

I just buy a pre paid prescription certificate via a monthly direct debit £10

Covers all my prescriptions

[jobe1968]

Cost to NHS is tiny. Much less than the pound or so you will pay. If on a prepay then I would leave them on. However if paying the charge it’s sensible to buy. As has been mentioned three months worth for a pound at the pharmacy.

It is cheap, but a vital drug and in benefit extremely valuable so I tend to think of it for it’s clinical benefits rather than cost.

[Healthyheart1]

Hi I work in pharmacy, we tell our paying patients that you can buy it, we don't ask for a prescription charge and write on the prescription not dispensed so that the NHS are not being charged either. I hope this helps. Anginamum.

[Serg12]

Wilko: 25p for 16 dispersible aspirin.

[Rhinet34]

Yes I agree , I've started to but my aspirin to , it's a big saving for the NHS