Repeated prescriptions - possible?

[Airblue]

Hi everyone, I have a friend, who was diagnosed cluster headaches several years ago and was treated with galcanezumab. She has moved to UK a year ago, and here she is also prescribed galcanezumab, but each time her headaches start, she has to visit GP and neurologist to get the prescription.

I must say, I was suprised to hear that, as cluster headaches is a chronic condition and is not it possible to get repeated prescription for that, at least for a certain period of time? Maybe there is some kind of misunderstanding. I googled the subject, but could not clarify the subject. If anyone can share any information, that would be great.

Thank you for looking into the matter!

[Bevvy]

All my regular medical is on a repeat prescription. This includes a rescue pack of antibiotics and steroids, and a prescription for Tramadol. I keep rescue pack at home and can order further meds when required. So I fail to see why your friends can’t keep some emergency medication at home. Seems strange to me. She needs to raise this with gp and consultant.

[Airblue in reply to Bevvy]

Thank you so much, Bevvy! Your example clearly shows, how it should be. I hope she will get it sort it soon.

[Cb1963]

As a fellow sufferer of cluster headaches I understand your friends health condition, I've never heard of this medication, however you said it was from a different country, I'm reducing my topiramate which worked for a few years, but my headaches came back with a vengeance, and even doubling up the dose didn't work. I even had nerve block injections in the base of my neck on 3 occasions, this didn't work either, I use sumaptriptan 6mg injections as an immediate relief from these headaches, and I'm now on a new tablet call verapamil, I had headaches since June and have only been on these tablets just over a week, and I'm starting to be free from these awful headaches, as for repeat prescriptions maybe she has to see a neurologist to get her onto a long term presentation, our hospital has a special clinic where we can ring up and speak to a headache nurse to talk about our concerns, these headaches are truly horrific, I hope your friend gets some help, even oxygen therapy is used if all else fails, best of luck !😊

[Airblue in reply to Cb1963]

Thank you very much for sharing your experience. Happy New Year, and may it be healthy and lucky for you!This medicine - commercial name is Emgality - is relatively new, it was approved in 2018. As far as I understand, it is pretty efficient. So just keep it in mind, if something doesn't work well, you could also consider this one.

[Cb1963 in reply to Airblue]

Thanks so much for your reply 😊, well it seems that the medication I'm taking isn't doing its job, I'm into my 3rd week now, and I was free from headaches, however they've come back 😭, and I'm back using the injections to stop a full blown headache, I'll have to keep your suggestion in mind and these headaches really grind me down, these headaches aren't just a " normal " headache, they are one of the worst pains known on a pain scale, they've been referred to as " suicide " headaches, people don't understand how horrible these are, I've been free from these headaches for a few years, but I've been suffering since June, and this period of time is now affecting my mental health, I thank you once again and all the best for 2024😇

[Airblue in reply to Cb1963]

I really think you might discuss this option with your doctor. My cousin also has this problem, and only oxygen and this medicine helps him.

[Cb1963]

Prescription, not presentation lol

[Dorris59]

while you’re sorting all that out, it may be worth while her trying these supplements which are backed up by evidence. Not all magnesium’s are equal and there are several different kinds. Magnesium oxide for instance is a waste of money as it’s poorly absorbed migrainetrust.org/live-with...

[Airblue in reply to Dorris59]

Thank you for your consideration. It is always so confusing with lots of options nowdays. I really hope that she gets it sorted out soon.