Sunblock prescription problems

[tcogb]

I have had Sunsense sunblock on prescription for years now but a good while ago (well over a year easily) now my pharmacy (inhouse pharmacy at my rural GP practice) just kept saying that it wasn’t available and when I asked if they could ask the GP if there were any alternatives they just said No. Eventually I researched this myself and found that Sunsense had been withdrawn from NHS prescription and that Uvistat and Anthelios La Roche Posay were now the available sunscreens. I asked my GP if I could have the Uvistat on repeat but after persevering with it for a few months I was just not getting on with it as it’s difficult to apply, is thick and doesn’t absorb as well as the Sunsense. I need it primarily for my face, neck, chest and arms. as everything else is generally covered. So I asked if I could try the Anthelios La Roche Posay lotion instead, my GP prescribed it but when I went to my GP pharmacy to collect it, they said they couldn’t get hold of it because of ‘supply issues’ Does anyone else get the Anthelios on prescription and are you having any problems with getting hold of it? If you’ve managed to get it from a national or online pharmacy, could you share the details please? Meanwhile I’ve been using the Altruist 50+ which I’ve bought myself but I get through so much, it would be good to get one that suits me on prescription. It just seems that sunblock is treated differently from drugs. After all if a particular brand of drug doesn’t suit you, a GP will offer you an alternative without issue but with sunblock, we just seem to be left with Uvistat and no other options.

[Gizmok9]

I can’t use new prescription stuff either I now order this £10.50 for 2 tubes off Amazon so not too expensive, I react to any chemical sun lotions this one is mineral

ALTRUIST. Dermatologist Sunscreen SPF 50 – Superior 5-star UVA protection

[dg70]

La Roche Posay is great but I buy it myself as I like the pump dispenser one or the spray on over make up to top up. If its the same it leaves no white marks and is as easy as anything to apply, its not thick and it works so well too.

[KnitSewPurl in reply to dg70]

Yup , love the pump dispenser one too they are great only wish they did them in slightly larger bottles in a pump version like it . Mine is almost finishing I have used it now nearly 2plus years

[soul22]

Had same problem

I buy Hawaii sensitive sun block silk lotion blends in so nicely no stains on clothes.

Off Amazon

[KnitSewPurl]

Hi ,I have got both the lotion and the cream of LaRoche Posay they are fabulous as sun protection. I don't get them as prescriptions I buy them use them only when my skin is in contact with sunlight and they have been far the best I have tried other sun cream protection they don't really do the job as well my skin comes up with rashes .

Buy them they are not actually that expensive if you shop around

[FredaN]

I use La Roche Posay Anthelios fluid and the mist version as a top-up (or if I'm running late). It is very runny, which can be a bit of a surprise the first time you use it, but that also means it sinks in well and feels light when wearing it. I don't know about prescription, as I've never been offered it, but I buy it and would recommend it.

Sometimes Boots has offers on it (I think Superdrug stock it too), but I also order from Escentual, as they quite often have 25-30% off French pharmacy products.

[tcogb]

👋 Thank you to everyone who has replied. It’s useful to know that it is an issue for everyone and that only the Uvistat is currently available on prescription. I’ll just have to continue to buy my own. Thanks for all the suggestions. Like Gizmok9 I’m currently using the Altruist 50+ which is a really good price and I use their Anti redness and Pigmentation 50+ for my face in the summer as it helps calm my ever present redness down! It does make you look quite tanned though so I’ll look at an Antihelios one for my face instead I think.

[Whitecliff]

Hi My daughter has just been confirmed as photosensitive after testing at Guys. She has been getting Uvistat on repeat but Guys were happy to prescribe La Roche Posay and their pharmacy had it in stock last week. I would therefore suggest trying other pharmacies in your area or if you have a Dermatologist maybe they can issue it through a hospital pharmacy. Good luck.

[tcogb in reply to Whitecliff]

That’s interesting, thank you. My GP pharmacy did say I might try a larger pharmacy but asking my hospital consultant if I can obtain it via the hospital pharmacy is a good idea.

[janekins]

Hello,Like you, I used to get Sunsense on prescription but several years ago this was taken off my prescription list. I buy it online from Weldricks Pharmacy.

[tcogb]

Thank you janekins I shall take a look 😀