Neuro patch on NHS

[JenniferG]

Anyone else's GP refusing Neuro patch on the NHS? They have said we can get it on a private prescription but not on the NHS as its to expensive.

[spike28]

not so, ive had the patch and im able to get it now if i want to, and not private either, im UK

[nightdancer]

I have frineds in the UK that have gotten and used the Neupro patch. the main problem is skin irritation, or it does not stick right. some, it works for great, and others as you night guess, it does not help. Trial and error, that old saying. But, I do know several Uker's who have had it prescribed for them. some here in this group.

[Hidden]

The Neupro Patch is expensive,but i never had any problems getting it from my doctor when i used to use it. It is available on the NHS.

[JenniferG]

Thanks, guess its back to the doctor then to demand it!

[cissie]

I tried neupro patch but was really upset a it didn't work for me I thought this was going to be the answer to all my problems I now am on g orpine role and 150 mg tramodole but still not getting much rest I hope they work for you

[JenniferG in reply to cissie]

thanks Cissie, I'm also taking tramodol but it's not half as effective as it was, hence wanting to try something else

[Hidden]

In my case the patch was recommended to my GP by my neuro-surgeon after my annual check-up with him a couple of years ago, when I'd never heard of this medication. It IS expensive but also effective in my situation. Seems that this is the way to go - if you have periodic check-ups with a neuro-surgeon, ask him about the patch rather than your GP, as he/she will have greater authority to prescribe it. Good luck.

[JenniferG in reply to Hidden]

thewingco- thanks, due to see neurosurgeon soon, will ask them m think that's the way forward.

[c-wragg]

Hi,

I live in Suffolk UK and have the patches on the NHS. I know their expensive at £80 a pack but there worth every penny.

[JenniferG in reply to c-wragg]

I'm in suffolk too, this is ridiculous. Did you get yours through your GP?, or did you have to see a neurologist first?

[c-wragg in reply to JenniferG]

I saw the Neurologist first. He perscribed the patches so now I have them on a repeat perscription and collect them from the Doctors.

[maddymac]

I take Neupro Rotigotine 3MG (maximum dosage) for RLS and have no difficulty getting a prescription from my doctor.These patches are the best medication I have tried though certainly not a cure as I still have serious bouts of RLS but not as frequently as when I was on other medications.

Maddymac

[Tpebop]

How wide-spread this problem is would be interesting. About a year or two ago we had a brief discussion on, what was then, an approaching new NHS reform. This meant GPs (General Practitioners/Family Doctors) would control the purse strings of their surgeries. Sounded good in theory but our concern was that they would be given less or limited funding by the government. This could lead to expensive drugs like the Patch being refused to patients 'cos of the cost. We were worried about the existence of a potential black list of such drugs. Now, the new legislation has been in existence for a while I have heard little to overly concern me but I don't use the Patch (my GP refused it 'cos of the effect on my brain!). Anyone else got owt to report?.

[Hidden in reply to Tpebop]

Yes, i remember it well. when all that discussion went on. We have two people from suffolk, one can get the patch, one has been refused, or told they will have to pay privately. It is available on the NHS, so Jennifer needs to ask her doctor the question, why am i being refused the patch when it is available from you (her doctor) is it because the surgery cant afford it... will be interesting on what they do tell her. As it is, it seems most have answered that they can get it.

[jitterbug in reply to Tpebop]

I am on a 1mg Neupro patch (I was on 2mg but the patches blister my skin and the 1mg patch is smaller) also take 2mg Ropinerole and Pramipexole. All these are quite willingly prescribed by my doctor in Kent.

Tpebop what is the affect on your brain that you mention?

[Tpebop in reply to jitterbug]

Ha ha! My GP's comments just show how ignorant they can be about RLS. Dopamine agonists, be they the Patch or Pramipexole tablets work on receptors in your brain. To refuse me the Patch but then prescribe Pramipexole was a bit daft...

[Tiredparent Restless Leg Syndrome]

I had to prove to my GP that I had tried all the other main forms of RLS medication to justify having the patches as they are so much more expensive. They have been a life saver for me. I still get RLS but it is much more manageable now. If I put the patch on too late at night and it hasn't had time to take effect, then my RLS is dreadful.

[1704]

Hi, I am a US restless leg person. My doctor prescribed the patch about 3 years ago. I have private insurance , we have to have it. But after I presented my insurance card to the pharmasist, the cost was still $300.00. So, now I take gabapentin. It is inexpensive and works great for me .