A GP advises she or the surgery cannot give me a prescription for hypertonic saline as it is not on the surgery list.

[majji]

Can anyone shed light on why a GP at my new surgery advises me that she cannot write me a prescription for hypertonic saline at 3% as it is not on her (something or other?) - I can't remember the word she used, she can prescribe normal saline apparently. The hypertonic saline has been advised and prescribed previously by my consultant of respiratory medicine. I have never encountered this situation before of a GP being unable to give me access to a particular drug .

[sassy59]

I don’t really understand either but could it be down to cost. Try and speak to the practice manager or your consultant. I wish you well. Xxxxxxx

[majji in reply to sassy59]

Thank you Sassy59, I appreciate your very prompt response and will query this with my consultant in the next few weeks. I was under the impression that if a consultant specified a particular item the GP was obliged to supply a scrip for it - but what do I know ...

[cofdrop-UK]

I could understand it if you hadn't had it beore as you need to have your first dose assessed at the hospital, but as you have had it in the past I am at a loss as to the surgery's reasoning. Hypertonic is usually only given if directed initially by the hospital, so if the surgery hasn't had that directive that could well be the reason. You might want to have a consultation with the GP or contact you consultant.

Good luck

cx

[majji]

Thank you so much for your response cofdrop - I actually showed the GP in question my copy of the directive letter sent to the surgery requesting continuation of hypertonic saline - the GP told me she is unable to prescribe as it is not on the surgery's list - although ordinary saline is - I shall have to pursue this with the hospital as I really don't understand quite what is going on ... or the reasoning behind it - thank you again for your help.

[Hidden]

I have hypertonic saline too (7%) so it most definitely is available on nhs prescription. I'm wondering if it's something to do with the policy of your local prescribing committee? You really need to ask the GP exactly what she means by "not on the surgery's list" ie who compiles this list etc?

I had a problem recently in getting a liquid form of a drug which is very much cheaper (but less effective) in tablet form - the GP said the representative from the prescribing committee had objected to the cost. However he had letters from consultants at both my local hospital and the specialist lung hospital, both specifying the liquid, so in the end he agreed to overrule the guy from the committee. It made me feel awful though! The specialist hospital also offered to contact the local prescribing committee so that's something else yours could do, if necessary.

It's a stupid, false economy anyway - h/saline will help keep your lungs clear so you'll get fewer exacerbations & hence fewer expensive inpatient treatment or IV antibiotics. No-brainer, you'd think!

[majji in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Hanne62 for shedding some light - I have now written to the specialist respiratory nurse I saw last week asking for her advice and comments and will see my consultant in a few weeks and hopefully will get this sorted out - as you say a stupid, false economy .......

[Hidden]

GP’s list can be limited yes..I remember mine only had 2 lots of eardrops, both gave me eczema.

How about the hospital pharmacy, maybe you should ring and see if they stock it and ask the consultant for a prescription. Or talk to your pharmacist and see what he can arrange for you..mine used to give me my ventolin evohaler instead of that awful salamol..

Good luck x

[majji in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Happylondon, I will contact my pharmacists for their advice, they have always been brilliant - one way or another I will sort it out ...

[Hidden in reply to majji]

Great news x

[Hidden]

I had the same. The respiratory team spoke to my drs and it got sorted.

[majji]

That gives me further incentive Joolz10, thank you

[wheezy01]

I also had exact same problem with hypertonic saline 7%. At my gp it was under a brand name so that’s why she couldn’t find it. My 7% is called nebusal

[majji in reply to wheezy01]

Many thanks for that info wheezy01- I shall follow it up ....