Prescription charge

[dianeee]

Went to get my prescription for zentiva today and been told have to pay extra as cost over NHS amount is that right never had to pay extra before

[25clai]

I've just got my prescription and no one at Chemitex surcharged me. I had problems ordering it historically through my GP. They said it was not on the NHS approved list, therefore not prescribable I went back to my rheumatologist and asked her to write to my GP to confirm that zentiva brand is the only one I can tolerate.

Once my rheumatologist wrote in , GP arranged for repeat prescriptions to be marked, zentiva brand. Since them no problems. I imagine it must cost a bit Zentiva, which is why they , the NHS try to claw it back, but how can it be an extra charge.....think that's so wrong!

[SjogiBear]

That's shocking! I've just had my prescription through so am intending to chase down some Zentiva next week. How much extra did you have to pay if you don't mind me asking?

[Lupiknits in reply to SjogiBear]

Here are the brand prices to the NHS. bnf.nice.org.uk/medicinal-f...

I've never heard of anyone being charged over the standard cost of a prescription for anything.

Edited to add: the drug tariff price seems to be identical for every brand.

[dianeee in reply to Lupiknits]

Thank you chemist stated as there is a supply shortage cost now £15 plus and should hav to pay difference have never been asked to pay before

[dianeee in reply to SjogiBear]

Was being told due to shortage cost to chemist is now £15 and would have to pay difference however still not in stock

[Lupiknits]

That still sounds like they have it completely wrong. The NHS Business Services Authority is responsible of meeting the costs of pharmacists dispensing medication. The patient pays the flat rate prescription cost. I have found nothing that meets their claim to pass the charge on to you, within NHS Rules. Here, I think, is where they should be checking their costs and payments within the NHS nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pharmacies-gp...

[Rubylu]

If it is not available on an FP10 as a trade name drug, the GP may have had to write a private prescription in order for the chemist to acquire it for you. Check with chemist whether it is on FP10 (nhs prescription) or private. If FP10, then I can’t see why you should have to pay more. Definitely query it.

[grannyjogger]

My GP writes Zentiva brand on my prescription. I have never been told it is not on the NHS approved list, nor have I been asked to pay anything towards the prescription (my scripts are free as I am over state pension age).

The hospital consultant that I see for GI issues recently wrote to my GP with a list of proposed meds including one that was not approved and my GP explained that she couldn't prescribe it but if I contacted the hospital they could give me a prescription to be taken to the hospital pharmacy and I had no problems getting it.

It seems the issues are more about the cost (and we know Plaquinil is more expensive than Quinoric) and some GPs and pharmacies are making up the rules as they go along. Looks like we are going to have another fight on our hands to get the meds we need.