Getting pred abroad

[Griggser]

I’m currently in Lanzarote and have another 5 weeks here. I’ve just checked my pred supply and I’m two weeks short😱😱😱 What options do I have to get some? I know I have more at home and could get someone to post them but I’m not sure it’s legal to do so. If I can purchase them in Lanzarote does anyone know what I need to provide?

[Pollyanna16]

Hi, this happened to me years ago when I left my extra supply at home. We were in France. Luckily I had my leaflet on PMR (newly diagnosed) & an empty box. The village pharmacy were very happy to sell me some pred for 3 Euros! Amazing. Now I always take my prescription with me in case I need more. So if you have that I would try it. Good luck. We have just come back from La Gomera, gorgeous.

[Griggser in reply to Pollyanna16]

Thanks for your swift reply. I’m really kicking myself as I sat down and sorted all my meds out the day before we left. How the hell I made such an error, and particularly on the main tablets I need, god knows 🤷‍♂️ I do have my repeat prescription and an empty box with me, well my wife brought the prescription with us just in case! At least I have 3 weeks supply left so have time to sort something.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I wouldn't trust the post anyway! Takes weeks to get here ...

I don't know about the Canaries but often in Spain they will just sell it you - so try taking the pack to a pharmacy and ask. It's cheap as chips. You are a long term pred patient so they will supply emergency pred and if you have problems in the UK - get a stock! He knows me, but my pharmacist here will sell me any of my medication at full price and refunds it when the script arrives from the GP. Sometimes I don't bother if it is something cheap. You might not get prednisolone - not all countries use it. Prednisone is a 1:1 equivalent. Methyl pred is stronger, 4mg methyl pred is the same as 5mg pred.

You could find a local English speaking doctor who might cough up the necessary.

Or you could ring your insurance who might arrange a delivery.

I always took double what I think I need - in separate cases, mostly in hand luggage!!!!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

oops!

Is always took a copy of latest prescription -either on as photo on phone or hard copy -and extra just in case.

Hopefully you can get it sorted without too much hassle!

[SheffieldJane]

Pharmacies are lovely in Europe. I think you will encounter no difficulty in purchasing the Pred you need. Take evidence of your prescription- boxes etc. I am extremely jealous of you, it is freezing here. 🥶

[Elispeth]

Hi Griggser. I lived in the Canary Islands for 3 plus years and am now on mainland Spain. If you start with the pharmacy they will probably be able to arrange for you to get some more steroids, even if they send you to the local A & E department. (Just take your UK prescription in for them to see). I wouldnt get them posted to you out there. You would probably never see them again 😲! Unlike the postal service in Spain the health system is very efficient and they take good care to ensure that you are safe. Enjoy your holiday and good luck!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Elispeth]

Funny that - same here in northern Italy. The post is rubbish, the healthcare is pretty good!

[Bridge31]

The last thing I posted to my daughter in Portugal never arrived but the health care and dentistry are excellent.

[DAW28]

I had the same situation in Greece a couple of years ago where I was at the beginning of a Competent Crew Course. I had to admit to the intructor that I had forgotten my Prednisolone. He took me to the pharmacy where I was able to purchase a 5mg box for 1 Euro without any problem. Hopefully, you'll be able to purchase what you need too!

[Griggser]

Managed to get a box of x 60, 5mg prednisone. €2.40

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Griggser]

Good -now enjoy rest of holiday 😊

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Griggser]

Excellent!!!!

[cranberryt in reply to Griggser]

Glad you got some! That is so cheap! With what is considered really good insurance here (US) I pay $15 for a 30-day supply of 1mg tablets.

[Runn1ng]

I did the same a few years back. I was in Cyprus. Just went to the pharmacy and they were happy to sell me some. I think they cost 5 Euros.