Can I insist on a brand of my prescription because different brands contain ingredients that make my fibro pain unbearable.

[Nita7]

I recently moved from London to West Lothian. I have been on meds for fibro for the past 14 years (prescribed by a pain consultant). These works well. However, in Scotland you do not get the brands which is 'safe' as in my case, because I cannot tolerate lactose, sugary substances or sugar, soya, potassium or eggs. My gp refuses to prescribe the 'safe' brand names I requested. I am in a terrible state, as I am running out of medication and do not know what to do or where to turn to.

[soozie]

Hi there,I had similar problems,but I spoke to my pharmacists about this & they put a note on their system .. been fine since xx good luck xx

[Nita7 in reply to soozie]

Hi Soozie,in London I had no problems with this, but the pharmacists in Scotland said the gp needs to prescribe the brand before they can supply this. I wrote the gp a letter this morning asking for an explanation why they, after 3 attempts from me to rectify the situation, still did not respond to my requests. An hour after I left the letter at the surgery, they phoned to say the correct prescription has been left at the reception desk! We all need to stand our ground and not let the gp's bully us or pretend we do not exist. Take care and good luck to you too xxx

[TheAuthor]

Hi Nita7

Many surgeries use generic drugs on their prescriptions for cost reasons. However, they are supposed to inform you of any changes prior to amending prescriptions. I have pasted you a couple of links pertaining to this matter below:

nhs.uk/Conditions/Medicines...

nhs.uk/chq/pages/1003.aspx?...

I have read form your update that you appear to have rectified the issue and I want to wish you all the best for the future.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken x

[Dorothy1952]

I have certain brands of medication because I have allergies to wat some companys make there tablets with my pharmacyst has noted the ones that upset me and he. does not give me them

[Mdaisy]

Hello Nita7,

As it has been said GP's usually opt for the version of a particular drug which costs less however if this contains 'lactose' which you are allergic too surely you can request a certain medication.

I have found the following link about guidance about prescriptions and what is prescribed from patient.co.uk which had the Information Standard;

patient.co.uk/doctor/genera...

Here is says think about 'Concordance, Tolerability & Formulation' so surely you can ask the GP to consider the fact you ate lactose intolerant and the problems associated with the medication.

Would you be able to see another GP at the practice and discuss this if you still find members of your Healthcare dismissive you can complain as per the guidelines below;

adviceguide.org.uk/scotland...

I hope this helps and you manage to get this resolved as soon as possible

Best Wishes

Emma

FibroAction Administrator

[fibro]

I dont know about in scotland as i believe you dont have to pay for prescriptions like we have to in England, but I was always lead to believe that if you have a confirmed allergy to the ingredients in the 'other' brands, that you had the right to request ones more suitable.

I do hope you get something sorted as its really pointless taking meds that only make you feel worse! Xx

[lyngilly]

Hi Can I ask which medications you are taking, I could let you know which ones contain lactose etc, as I work for the medicines management team in Manchester