GP do not renew my pregabalin prescription

[Natttt]

Hi All, my GP has denied renewing my regular prescription. Pregabalin is the only thing that relatively works for me. Has anyone encountered the same issue? and how you solved it? I have barely lived in the UK for a year, so I have not been able to see a rheumatologist yet and it looks like a formal complaint process with NHS could take months. Appreciate the guidance.

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee]

have they explained why and had a consultation with you?How long have you been on it?

Are they suggesting a tapering plan?

What are they offering as an alternative e.g. drug alternative or a referral

I would be looking for another appointment to discuss this as it should be a shared decision and talked through?

[Natttt in reply to desquinn]

No, simply the GP does not feel comfortable prescribing pregabalin. I have tried to change the GP, but I have been told that is not an option and I have to remain with the practice closest to my flat. Have been a very frustrating 1st year in the UK, the GP has not seen in person not even once and private GP can't prescribe that kind of medication.

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee in reply to Natttt]

Would definelty request an appointment and ask that tehy review the NICE CPP guidelines - nice.org.uk/guidance/ng193/...

in particular 1.2.11 "If a person with chronic primary pain is already taking any of the medicines in recommendation 1.2.10, review the prescribing as part of shared decision making:

explain the lack of evidence for these medicines for chronic primary pain and

agree a shared plan for continuing safely if they report benefit at a safe dose and few harms or

explain the risks of continuing if they report little benefit or significant harm, and encourage and support them to reduce and stop the medicine if possible."

and also reference the subsequent point

"1.2.12 When making shared decisions about whether to stop antidepressants, opioids, gabapentinoids or benzodiazepines, discuss with the person any problems associated with withdrawal."

Look back at my other points and potentially ask to see the practice manager if there is not help from the GP.

[Natttt]

Fantastic, thanks so much for the guidance

[Alb2]

This medication should not be suddenly stopped. It should be gradually reduced as per NHS recommendations. Desquin has provided sound advice here. I find it bizarre that the rationale your GP has given you is that he doesn’t feel comfortable prescribing it!

[Cat00]

I've had to come off Gabapentin twice and Pregablin, I would definitely recommend a gradual tapering. While I don't think Pregablin or Gabapentin are a particularly good drugs your doctor seems cruel imo.

[BlueTofu]

Are there any local disability charities that could provide a advocate to support you with interactions with GP. I have one locally who offers some of that. I learnt in an online support group that you can get them through NHS, he's hopefully going to come in next meeting with more info. He said that he gets taken more seriously when he has them with him in meetings, virtual or face to face. It would be someone to discuss concerns with in confidence as well.

[Natttt in reply to BlueTofu]

Thanks. Do you know the name of these charities or how can I get in touch?

[BlueTofu in reply to Natttt]

It depends where you are in the country, and your age or disability. Maybe FMAuk has a local branch that could help or Ageuk . Looked up online NHS suggested 2 charities. I don't know them. 'POhWER' and The Advocacy People. Good luck

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff in reply to BlueTofu]

Unfortunately fma uk cannot help with advocacy services.

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

You may be able to get some advice / support through PALS (patient advice & liaison service).

[cartama]

My new doc wants me to come off it to and put me on amitriptaline which i know does nada for me other than makes me sleepy. .she told me to just stop... i ve been on em years. my old doc put me on it for IBS pain... tried EVERYTHING (if 1 more medical person mentions buscapan to me i will swing for them) this is only thing that helps.... seems Pregabalin isnt liked which makes me wonder about long term side effects. Your doc certainly should not just stop giving it to you without a plan to get you off them slowly... seems odd but not uncommon

[GongYoo]

I can't use amitriptyline. It also makes me sleepy and I'm a walking zombie. Pregabalin is the only thing that has helped me, if only a little. Hope you get it sorted out.

[kirsty87]

Sorry this won't be of much help to you but where I have previously taken Pregabalin, side effects from it for me were worse than my Fibromyalgia at the time. However if your gp is refusing to renew your prescription try to book a face to face appointment with either your regular gp or ask to speak to a different gp at practice and explain in detail your health and the benefits for you on Pregabalin. It may be that without a face to face appointment they don't wish to repeat the prescription.

[Natttt]

I just received a message from the practice saying ' we have observed on our records that your pregabalin prescription was denied as you are due for a medication review. This will take place on 27 Oct via phone'... Can the gp do this? is this the regular procedure in the UK? I have lived all over the planet and never found so many obstacles before.

[Natttt]

Thanks, good to know. I moved to the UK in the middle of the pandemic, so barely know how healthcare works here. Thanks

[Mightily564]

Hi, I have just seen your post. I have recently read that in Northern Ireland they aren’t allowed to prescribe Pregablin any more(August) this year, I wonder if this has anything to do with it. They have to give you an appointment to discuss an alternative medication surely.