Prescription Charges.

[sjdard]

I was wondering has anybody got a medical exemption certificate cos they take Hydrocarbamide for there condition.

[Jo_L]

Yes, I and quite a lot of others have. You don't need to be on hydroxycarbamide to get free prescriptions and there's more information available on the mpd voice website.

Hope this helps,

Jo

[sjdard]

My GP looked into this for and said I don't qualify as he said ET is only pre-cancerous cell.

[amarylis in reply to sjdard]

Your GP is wrong, ET is classified as a (myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) – which include; polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia and myelofibrosis. Neoplasm is the important word here, and used in US instead of MPD over here - and is Greek for tumor - slightly alarming but don't be as ET does not act as other cancers by causing secondary cancers.

People with MPDs (MPN's) have been eligible for free prescription since 2008.

I have a Medical Exemption Certificate which I got by getting an FP92A form from my GP's surgery or which you could get when you next visit your haematologist. When my haematologist filled in the form, he ensured that the condition was written down as MPN. I sent it off and received my Certificate within days. It is valid until I reach age 60 at which point prescription charges are free anyway. Good luck but do not take no for an answer.

[sjdard in reply to amarylis]

thanks I will talk to my haematologist on Wednesday

[amarylis in reply to sjdard]

Hi Sjard

People are constantly coming up against lack of knowledge with our conditions, particularly as they are rare and it is only recently, due to a lot more research having been carried out, that so much more is being discovered (thank goodness for sites like these!) Apart from the real experts - Specialists in MPD's - we tend to be the next in line and often have to inform/educate our GP's who obviously cannot know everything about every health issue - so do make sure that your GP is aware once you have received your certificate. Also, as has recently been aired on this site, you are also eligible for a free flu-jab. I have been using this service for the last few years, and as I work in a school it has been invaluable!

All the best

[Hidden in reply to amarylis]

Hi, I have E.T and only take Aspirin," Can i get get an exemption card?

[amarylis in reply to Hidden]

It is the condition that qualifies you for the exemption card, not the medicines you take. You have ET, therefore ask for a FP92A form from your GP's surgery or when you next visit your haematologist. All the best

Amarylis

[Hidden in reply to amarylis]

Thank you Amarylis.

[amarylis in reply to Hidden]

My pleasure

[Jo_L]

The MPDs were recently reclassified by the WHO - perhaps your GP isn't aware of this? Even before I got my medical exemption certificate, I wasn't paying for hydroxycarbamide because the hospital was prescribing it.

I would have a look at MPD voice and perhaps get your GP to have a look at it too - that's what I did.

Good luck,

Jo

[KevinJH]

mpdvoice.org.uk/living-with...

[sjdard]

I will ask my Specialist nurse and consultant on Wednesday. I get mine for the hospital but still have to pay, I don't mind paying but if I am entitled to free prescription I think i will look into this harder. thanks for answering

[boltfromtheblue]

I have ET / MF and I was given a medical exemption. Ask your haematologist for a form. Good luck.

[Ginnyhelen]

I have ET and take Hydroxycarbamide and Aspirin. I have a medical exemption card. My GP filled in the form for me and sent it off. Hope you get one too!

[bruddery]

Wish I was in the U.K. I'm in Republic of Ireland I cannot get any of my meds in relation to MPD free and I currently take hydroxycarbamide, Aspirin, Atorvastatin, Allopurinal, Zoton and Betnesol - all related to MPD - I do have a drug repayment card which means I ONLY have to pay E130.00 per month. A bitter pill to swallow!!!

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

If anyone has any problems getting a FP92A signed please let me know and we will see if we can help, just email me at [e-mail]. Maz

[sjdard]

I have spoke with my specialist nurse today and she has signed my form. I have sent it away today so hopefully I will get my medical exemption card. Thanks to everyone who answered my question, you were a great help.

[Jennie_Barnes]

I can't believe I have only just found out about this I've had ET since I was 13 and have been paying for my prescriptions every 12 weeks since I was 18. I'm now 23!! I've asked numerous times about whether or not I would be exempt and have always been told no. Hopefully now I know what form I need I can get an exemption card.

[nicki2]

i used to have to pay for my exemption certificate for my hydroxycarbamide but i get can get also from the hospital pharmacy and it is for free if i did not have an exemption certificate i would have had to pay for my hydroxcarbamide

[Hidden]

I get the Hydroxycarbamide issued at the hospital as above for free but my GP automatically signed my exemption application which covers all my other drugs issued by the surgery and the card duly arrived.

[sjdard]

I got my exemption card through. Thanks for all you help.

[tracey13]

HI my husband was diagnosed 2 years ago with polycthamenia and he's got the jak 2 mutation.

He's been having venesection but his platelets are way too high.the consultant is wanting him to go on hydroxocarbide, but he's so worried about side effects.

He's now 43 years old he seems fine however it's the tiredness that's knocking him down his ferritin levels are so low.

Can anyone who's taking hydroxocarbide give me some advice about this tablet.

Does it take long to get stabilised on hydroxocarbide?

My husband is currently taking one aspirin a day and having a monthly venesection. His haemocratic level is 0.49 and it needs to be 0.45.

He's due to see the see the consultant on 23rd October 2015

Many thanks