Hello All - I'm in the UK, & I was diagnosed with PV last August, but suspect I've had it for some years.

[MistyBlue2]

I have very few symptoms, but do need to take blood pressure meds, and antacids every day.I'm sure I read on here a while back that as this is considered to be a cancer, we are entitled to free prescriptions - or am I going mad? After all, both of the drugs I need to take are quite likely to be related back to the PV.

I have asked both at the hospital and my GP - and both parties say no.

I'd appreciate hearing of any experiences you may have had on this subject.

Thanks

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

Hi MistyBlue2, yes MPDs are blood cancers and this means you are entitled to an exemption card for medication, providing you are taking medication for your MPD, i.e. hydroxycarbamide, aspirin etc, you need to get a FP92A from your GP surgery, you will complete one part and then take it back to your GP for them to sign to confirm you are taking medication for your MPD and they will then send it off for you. More information is available on our website mpdvoice.org.uk/living-with... . Hope this helps, Maz.

[MistyBlue2]

Thanks, Maz... Thought I was losing my marbles there for a minute! Have printed off a copy of the page you linked to, and will see if that will persuade my GP to sign on the dotted line!

[piggie50]

Hi, MistyBlue2, I had to print off the information and take to my GP before she would believe me. Good luck.

[tinaj]

Hi Mistyblue. I asked at the hospital they filled in the form for me all I had to do was sign it. I've got free prescriptions for the next 5 years then they review it. Hope you have some luck

[sjdard]

My GP said I was not entitled to free prescription, but from here I took the information to the hospital where it was signed and now I have free prescription for 5 years like tinaj.

[Dodders]

Hi Mistyblue, I asked my hematologist to sign the exemption form and you might find him/her more willing than you GP to do this as they should know that PV was re-classified a few years ago as a blood neoplasm, i.e. a form of cancer.

Best of luck.

[MistyBlue2]

Hi All - thanks for taking time to answer.

Sadly, when I asked my hematologist at the hospital if I was entitled, he simply muttered and said he didn't think so, but asked the Sister to find out for me (she went away for a minute, then said 'No', I wasn't).

My GP when asked, also said no - but that I was to check with the hospital. Can't help feeling they are bouncing me between one another in order to save a bit of cash... Grrr! lol

Never mind! I shall go back to my GP with my trusty print-off (thanks to Maz!) and try again tomorrow.

[MistyBlue2]

Just a quick update for you.... I got my prescription exemption card through at the weekend. Thanks to Maz, and the link posted... my GP couldn't wriggle out of signing the forms any longer!

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice in reply to MistyBlue2]

Hi MistyBlue, glad I could help and you have got your exemption card at last, best wishes, Maz.

[Loubprv Volunteer]

I can't believe how uncooperative some haematologists sound!

Thank heavens I've got a cracker....

x