Long running prescription issues

[Jennymary]

I've had problems getting my drops for the last year, can get all my other meds with no problems, but recently it's getting really bad, I should get 10ml Dorzolomide& Timolol monthly, the last 2 scripts had given me 5ml, enough for 2 weeks, also it appears that GP surgery have over ruled the eye hospital by swapping 4 bottles of hylo forte for 1 bottle blink, so going to put on a complaint as I'm forever sorting out eye drops and really fed up

[JanD236]

I’ve had problems at the chemist trying to get hold of Cosopt (preservative free) and have been told on several occasions there are supply issues.

However, your GP failing to prescribe adequate amounts of the drops you need to control your pressures is poor. I think you should take it up with the practice manager as a starting point.

My hospital consultant says that I should be prescribed moisturising eye drops in view of the trabeculectomy I had in one eye. However, it doesn’t matter how many times I request it, it gets ignored. I’ve given up and buy it myself.

[Jennymary in reply to JanD236]

Thank you, I'm currently drafting a, letter of complaint to the surgery, the dry eye drops are ones that the hospital have requested, not me, so I have no idea why it's been changed,, although I do think it could be due to costs involved, but no one has told me why its been changed

[muddledme in reply to Jennymary]

Sorry to hear about problems with eye drop supplies.

I had similar problems , so now I either take in the hospital letter with the request to show the pharmacist, or else I tell them that the extra drops for dry eyes etc has been requested by the consultant.

If they understand that we often have to put the drops in very frequently, sometimes hourly , then it is hopeful that they will understand. If desperate I have said that the drops are to save my sight or that without them the eyes feel like sandpaper.

Once you can get the staff to understand then I find it easier.

Every time the drops change it is worth being prepared to stand your ground. I sometimes get angry inside , but try very hard not to show it ! Good luck !

[Lynne-H]

Hi Jenny

I don`t know why you are having problems with your glaucoma drops - is it something to do with Brexit I wonder and supply issues. I use Ganfort and so far I`ve not had a problem.

However regarding your Hylo Forte I wonder if that`s something to do with cost. I had trouble with some prescription items about two years ago - any items which could be bought over the counter were removed from my repeat prescription without anyone telling me they were going to do this. Neither the GP Surgery or the Pharmacy said anything - I went to collect these items and they`d just been removed - needless to say I was furious.

I hope you manage to sort things out - our lives are stressful enough without all this extra hassle.

Lynne xx

[Hidden in reply to Lynne-H]

Hi Jennymary,

I too think it's awful your GP practice has changed your consultant prescribed eye drops and the added stress of having to write a letter of complaint is definitely something you can do without. I hope you do get it sorted out .

I take Ganfort and Simbrinza and initially my practice didn't appear to understand glaucoma is a lifelong condition as my consultant had not put an end date for me stopping drops on his letter. He then phoned them which still wasn't good enough and finally had to e mail them. I actually bought the first 2 bottles myself.

With Simbrinza there were lots of supply issues and I was constantly having to phone and request the 2 generic eye drops which make up Simbrinza instead. I resorted to telling them that these drops were the only thing saving my eyesight !!! I got so stressed every month when putting in my repeat prescription but fingers crossed last few months they have finally got their act together.

Good luck