Dr s recommends trying a combination of t3 and t4 medication. My gp has said will only prescribe thyroxine as nhs cannot prescribe t3.

[Lizbeth1]

Is this true? I have been taking thyroxine for 17 years. Thank you

[Angel_of_the_North]

No, it's (probably) not true. It might be that, as a matter of choice, (probably because of cost) the local NHS trust/PCT (or whatever they are called now) has decided not to allow T3, but it is licensed for prescription in England.

See

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[susymac]

Yes, and no.

The NHS can and do prescribe T3, however, your GP may not, having no experience of its use, or for cost (although I'm not sure they are allowed to admit this is the reason), the local trust (or whatever its called now) may also not allow it to be prescribed by a GP without a specialists' recommendations . It varies for place to place and individual GP.

When a GP prescribes any medication, they are taking the responsibility of prescribing it. There are no guidelines that say T3 helps, in fact there at statements saying its use causes other problems, therefore the majority of GP's simply just wont prescribe. The statement from the college of physicians says T4 replacement is sufficient for all (wrongly) but a GP is sticking their kneck out by going against this. They should send you to an endo if T4 is not working sufficiently for further investigation.

From their point of view i can understand why they dont. But thats little help to those of us that need it

[sporty333]

No! My gp prescribes it ok!

[susymac in reply to sporty333]

Is that on the recommendation of a specialist ?

[sporty333 in reply to susymac]

No! Lol I went and saw dr myhill and she wrong to him suggesting I needed to try T3 now..... So he prescribed it :0)

[susymac in reply to sporty333]

Ah! ok. wish I could go see her. although he's still prescribing it on the advice of another doctor.

[sporty333 in reply to susymac]

We'll yes but don't forget she's not an NHS doctor. Luckily my gp is prescription crazy! He's know for dishing them out lol

[susymac in reply to sporty333]

I know she's not NHS, thats why I could never see her. Private doctors are well outside my budget. My GP is the opposite. I cant get her to prescribe anything at all.

[Stourie in reply to susymac]

I think it's time to change your doctor and or surgery too.

Jo xx

[bantam12]

I saw my Endo last Sat and she has suggested T3 for me but she said it has to be prescribed and monitored by an Endo, the GP may (unlikely) prescribe but I would still be under her care for the future. GPs are not experienced in T3 so shouldn't be monitoring the patient. She also said there is no scientific evidence that it actually works so they don't prescribe it very often, she has just one lady who takes it.

[Hidden]

My T3 was prescribed by an endo and my doctor gives me an NHS prescription for it, no problem, although he was quick to tell me how expensive it was. He does all the tests needed by the endo, but won't get involved in monitoring.

[Heritage]

Hello

I have my T3 from doctors on NHS. I know I am lucky.

B

[Agapanthus]

I have T3 prescribed by my GP but it was Okd by the endo first as he tried me on T3/T4 first which was no help.

However I have been discharged by my endo and allowed to monitor the usage of T3 (which I now use only with no T4), myself, (with the help of Paul Robinson's book and forum) - the GP admits I know more about the thyroid than she does.

I only know of one other person in my county who uses T3 only, so I am v lucky.

[dogtired]

My partner has no difficulty in being prescribed T3....Dr S. diagnosed and GP prescribed. It's much cheaper in some European countries I think.......Does anyone have info on this?

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

No it is NOT true. The short quote below is from an email I received today from someone at the heart of the management of medicines in the UK/NHS:

... subject to the prescriber having the appropriate prescribing rights, any food, drug, toiletry or cosmetic may be prescribed on an NHS prescription unless the product is listed in Part XVIIIA of the Drug Tariff (known as the 'black list'). For example, whisky is not on the black list, so a prescription for this item could be passed for payment ...

Any reason provided for not prescribing T3 might have some validity EXCEPT that the NHS cannot prescribe T3.

Rod

[Glynisrose]

A solute rubbish, of course any doctor can prescribe T3!! Most won't because of cost but if your specialist has said that you should try it and the GP won't prescribe it then go back to the endo / specialist and get them to prescribe!! Its a pain in the bum having to go to the hospital to get your prescription but at least you might feel better!!!!!

[Glynisrose]

Sorry absolute....

[shaws Administrator]

My GP said he would only prescribe some T3 if an Endo said so. Lucky for me that she did.

Dr Toft of the British Thyroid Association also says so in his booklet:-

amzn.to/zQ7dVm

(ps you will need to copy and paste the above link)

and in Pulse online he says some may need the addition of T3.

[Yana]

You might find this interesting.

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Willowluv]

So not true!!!!....I returned to the country where my gp here carried on my t3 perscription withput a blink of an eye and with no recommendation from an endo. X

[Polaris]

My daughter has been prescribed T3 for years by her GP after seeing Dr. S. It is scandalous that there is so much variation in the NHS on what is and what is not prescribed by GPs when it is so vital to the well being of the patient ?