Sunscreen availability

[Chanpreet_Walia]

LUPUS UK has recently received several reports from lupus patients who are unable to obtain sunscreen through their NHS prescription. The lack of sunscreen availability is due to pharmacies experiencing supply issues with certain brands of sunscreen.

As of 2022, the following sunscreens are available to anyone who suffers from light-sensitivity (including all lupus patients - nhs.uk/conditions/lupus/ );

- La Roche Posay Anthelios 50ml SPF 50+

- SunSense Ultra Lotion SPF 50+

- SunSense Ultra Roll-on SPF 50+

- Uvistat Sun Cream SPF 30

- Uvistat Sun Cream SPF 50

- Uvistat Lipscreen SPF 50+

La Roche Posay Anthelios 50ml SPF 50+

There are currently no reported supply issues with this brand of sunscreen. This sunscreen should be readily available to all.

SunSense Ultra Lotion SPF 50+ and SunSense Ultra Roll-on SPF 50+

Following supply issues in 2020 and 2021, SunSense Ultra Lotion SPF 50+ is available on NHS prescription again.

Currently, some pharmacies are only offering this brand in 50ml pump bottles or 50ml roll-on sticks. If your prescription states a "SunSense Ultra Lotion SPF 50+ 500ml bottle", your pharmacist may supply you with ten 50ml bottles.

Uvistat Sun Cream SPF 30/ SPF 50 and Uvistat Lipscreen SPF 50+

There are reports that pharmacies are experiencing supply problems with this brand of sunscreen. If your pharmacist is unable to obtain this brand, you should ask your doctor to change the brand written on your prescription until supply issues have been resolved.

[Ncut]

Hi, for several years I was prescribed sun screen without any problems. Then out of the blue sent my prescription in and was duly informed that it was no longer available on prescription as it had been taken of the list.So I’m curious to know if I have been misinformed and should be able to receive it along with my other meds, or are there different rules in other parts of the country.

[sewalongwithme in reply to Ncut]

This is a guess based on my prescription for gluten free products. Your local CCG as there they were will make decisions about what they will find. So there are many gluten free products approved for being on prescription but there are only a few in my area and across the country what is approved varies. My guess is that sun screen is the same. Both required for medical reasons but decisions made locally about what is/is not approved. Hope that is helpful.

[sewalongwithme in reply to sewalongwithme]

Should say fine, not find.

[sewalongwithme in reply to sewalongwithme]

Predictive text FUND 🤣

[Ncut in reply to sewalongwithme]

Yes I do think your right, I seem to remember that explanation at the time of the refusal.Thanks for that.

[SufferingMike21]

Hi guy's having lupus sle does that mean I'm eligible for free sunscreen?If so how do I get

Thanks Mick

[Chanpreet_Walia LUPUS UK in reply to SufferingMike21]

Hi, you can speak to your doctor who can then list it on your prescription.

[SufferingMike21 in reply to Chanpreet_Walia]

Thankyou i shall speak with gp

[sewalongwithme]

Ask your consultant/GP to prescribe it, but it may be that it isn’t agreed locally to provide it. However that’s where I’d start with any enquiries.

[fabwheelie]

Thank you for the information Lupus UK

Some good links, that might help people

It's on NHS guidance that sunscreen is available on prescription. Some people having difficulty getting it prescribed often find showing this link helpful

nhs.uk/conditions/lupus/

Some CCG areas do seem more restrictive than others, if this is the case asking your consultant to write to GP stating the "medical need" often then means the GP will then supply

The Eclipse part of Lupus UK has some really good tips for those with extreme light sensitivity

lupusuk.org.uk/eclipse/

[SweetKris]

hi, do we have a photo of the la Roche posay? My pharmacist is telling me they can not order this in.

[Chanpreet_Walia LUPUS UK in reply to SweetKris]

Hi SweetKris,

I have attached a picture of the sunscreen for you.

We have been receiving reports from patients that they are now being refused La Roche Posay sunscreen on prescription. We suggest asking for UVISTAT SPF 30+ or SPF 50+ on prescription instead.

Best wishes,

Chanpreet 💜