My GP refuses to prescribe Buprenorphine even though Dr Robin Fackrell prescribed it for me privately. He wrote to my GP but still they refuse. I have seen that some of our members have been prescribed it on the NHS.
Can anyone send me any literature to show to my GP that might change their mind
The two weeks trial has been miraculous and after 15 years the RLS disappeared during those nights.
It really seems to be a lottery in getting opioids from the so-called caring profession.
Someone will come on with the technical information you are looking for.
Mayo algorithm is one.
The Michigan study I'm on shows no addiction from low dose opioids- and that buprenorphine is becoming the drug of choice for many doctors of RLS.
Gonzo,I have already sent you a draft letter with research links.
Check your email from 2 weeks ago.
I just received a letter from my GP which says " He has discussed it with the partners and they are not in a position to provide NHS prescriptions. The medication is being used in an unlicenced way, has associated risk of addiction and currently appear to be prescribed on a variable dosing regime. Although it is prescribed by your treating specialist it is not a common treatment in primary care, we do not feel able to take responsibility for prescribing the medication. If you wish we would be happy to make a referral to local neurology services on your behalf for further advice"
This seems a criticism of Dr Fackrell and I have e mailed this letter to him for his comments.
This is common and shows the total lack of knowledge and teaching received by GPs.They are afraid that they will lose their licence if anything bad happens.
It's why RLSUK has been trying to get UK trials. If Buprenorphine is licensed for RLS, a GP would be more willing to prescribe it.
So tell Dr Fackrell and ask how you get around this.
Hi Gonzo, I'm really sorry to hear this. I had exactly the same experience with Dr Fackrell and my local surgery. They flat out refused to prescribe. I ended up registering with a practice over an hour away, but I'm happy to make the journey as they don't have a problem prescribing Buprenorphine.
I wrote to the partners at my local practice recently and have just received a long and very thoughtful letter back. Unfortunately the upshot was still a hard No.
They say the only way round it is to have a neurologist apply to get the local drug formulary changed. I'm going to pursue that in my area, but in the meantime I'm going to continue to make the long journey to see my out-of-area surgery, as the Buprenorphine has been life changing.
Please try surgeries further afield if you possibly can. The one I found was happy to take me on (although I did bend the truth by saying I worked in their catchment area. They didn't ask for proof thankfully).
Fighting your local surgery is all well and good, but you need the right treatment fast, so I would prioritise that before starting to push back.
I really hope you live somewhere close to an 'unrestricted' borough. If you're in London, DM me and I can tell you where I went.
Dr Jose Thomas at the Gwent sleep clinic. He does private work out of Spire Hospital in Cardiff South Wales and will prescribe buprenorphine. I'm not sure if he can prescribe it or has to just recommend to your GP. Call and ask and let me know the answer for my notes.
Thankyou. Funny enough I am going to a sleep clinic in two weeks. Will let you know.
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