Please can anyone tell me how to find out the cost of 1mg coated Pred versus 1mg uncoated plus Lanzoprazole?
I have been taking 2 x 2.5 coated, no Ppi for 4 weeks and now no bloated stomach. I am reducing 5 to 4.5 DSNS method so asked for 1mg coated instead of my usual uncoated to be told at chemist "no such thing". I quoted the findings from this site (re your good selves), then told "erm well difficult to get them and not cost effective". I said I would not be taking Lanzoprazole so one less cost. I have to ring back tomorrow to see what they will do.
So I'm hoping to find out what the difference in cost will be, much appreciate any answers.
Thank you.
Written by
Marlenec
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I copied this from one of PMRpro ’s posts a while back. Probably not this years figures, but proves you’re right in your thinking:
Uncoated pred:
1mg tab, 28=76p.
5mg tab, 28=86p.
Coated pred:
1mg, 30=£1.91.
2.5mg, 28=£1.14.
5mg, 28=£1.18.
Omeprazole
10mg, 28=£7.90.
20mg, 28=£6.18.
40mg, 7=£6.20.
plain pred plus omeprazole costs significantly more than giving enteric coated pred
there is an extra dispensing fee for the pharmacy.
I had it ready in my phone to show my G.P., but unexpectedly he didn’t argue and prescribed gastric resistant pred. Anyway, if your doc prescribed it, it’s not the pharmacist’s job to change it. I’ve already had that convo with my pharmacist: if Dr prescribes PLAIN, they have to issue plain, and vice versa. My pharmacy hasn’t expressed any difficulties in obtaining them (Kent) and have them as stock, not even having to order them in (so far!).
Like you I had real issues with PPI, bloating. Both GP and rheum then wanted me on Ranitidine, anything over 75mg gave me diarrhoea. So now on GR coated, and reflux/indigestion improved within days.
Just for your info, and to keep you one step ahead of the chemist...my GR 1mg tablets are from Alliance Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Avonbridge House, Bath Road, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2BB
Now I wouldn’t know that unless I was looking at a box of these ‘non existent’ tablets, would I?
The figures we were given 3 years ago were that 30 tablets gastro-resistant pred cost £1.86, 30 tablets plain pred £1.31. 30 tablets PPI also cost £1.86. Each of those scripts comes with a dispensing fee that the NHS has to pay the dispensing chemist and which can vary from 70p upwards.
Who did you go to? If you can, find an independent chemist and avoid Boots (I won't even cross the threshold!).
I don't care if it isn't "not cost effective". If it removes a medical problem - that is worth gold.
And I'm sure you will find this thread of interest:
Full instructions!!!! And your GP can provide you with a private script for the tablets if necessary - but they cannot charge you for it if you are registered with them (they would be providing the service anyway).
It seems that some, if not all, surgeries 'want to' or 'need to' help save the Govt money by issuing the cheapest - they call it 'most economical drugs!
Fortunately with the Pred, my rheumi issued me the coated oned as the cheap ones were causing me distress!
Thanks to the info from this group, I now have both 5mg and 1mg gastro resistant tablets on my repeat prescription. My GP didn’t question it, I’m pleased to say. I’m wondering if I can stop taking Omeprozole now? Leave it for a while I think.
My GP initially refused to issue a script for enteric coated Pred even though I told her the uncoated were distressing my stomach and making me sick. She said they cost more money!
When I spoke to my rheumatologist he said that it is or should not be down to price but needs of the patient and he prescribed enteric coated for me
If you needed a PPI too with the uncoated variety, the cost of the two pills would have been more expensive than the one enteric coated pill. The trouble is doctors seem incapable of doing any sort of basic arithmetic.
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