I have been diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism (Graves Disease). The Pharmacist said I would be able to get free prescriptions. Can I?

[KKAJC]

I take Carbimozole and levothyroxine.

[marram]

I don't think so, I had Graves' but did not get free prescriptions until I had a total thyroidectomy and became dependent on thyroid hormone replacement for life. I will check for you.

This link gives you the information:

patient.co.uk/health/free-o...

"People who have certain medical conditions

Although there are many conditions requiring regular medication, only the following qualify for an exemption certificate:

Treatment for cancer; note this includes treatment for the effects of cancer, or treatment for the effects of a current or previous cancer treatment.

A permanent fistula requiring dressing.

Forms of hypoadrenalism such as Addison's disease.

Diabetes insipidus and other forms of hypopituitarism.

Diabetes mellitus, except where treatment is by diet alone.

Hypoparathyroidism.

Myxoedema (underactive thyroid) or other conditions where thyroid hormone replacement is necessary.

Myasthenia gravis.

Epilepsy requiring continuous anticonvulsive medication.

A continuing physical disability which means you cannot go out without help from another person.

If you have one of the specified conditions ask for an application form, FP92A, from your doctor's surgery. You need to fill it in and your doctor (or an authorised member of the practice staff) will sign to confirm the information you've given is correct. You will then be sent a Medical Exemption Certificate which is valid for five years."

This COULD mean that you would be eligible but it depends if the thyroxine you are receiving as part of the block and replace therapy is included in 'conditions where thyroid hormone replacement is neccessary'

Marie XX

[Jackie]

Hi I would ask the GP any way. You used to be able to, but everything may have altered.

Jackie

[shaws Administrator]

You may well be entitled to free prescriptions, as I have noticed in Marram's extract above (and you say you are taking levothyroxine):-

Myxoedema (underactive thyroid) or other conditions where thyroid hormone replacement is necessary.

[RedApple Administrator in reply to shaws]

There is a conflict of information. The actual info on the Medical Exemption website says:

myxoedema (that is, hypothyroidism which needs thyroid hormone replacement);

which is not the same wording, and would not obviously include someone on block and replace.

nhsbsa.nhs.uk/1126.aspx

The only way to be sure of the wording would be to see what it says on the most up to date paper form FP92A that is obtainable only through the GP. There are a couple of digital versions (obviously scanned) of the FP92A form floating around the web, but as they do not have a date on them, it's likely they are out of date versions.

[RedApple Administrator in reply to RedApple]

The same wording

myxoedema (that is, hypothyroidism which needs thyroid hormone replacement);

is used on the current downloadable HC11 Leaflet - Help with Health Costs

nhsbsa.nhs.uk/HealthCosts/D...

[Divided]

Thanks for the list, marram. I was unaware my husband could no longer receive free prescriptions for untreated diabetes in England. As he also has chronic asthma which needs constant meds, it seems a little unfair. We're definitely staying in Wales!

[Hidden]

I have to pay for my Carbi, but you may be able to get the Levo part free? Don't know how it works if you're on block and replace.

Hampster

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Hidden]

It's all or nothing hampster!

You either are entitled to a Medex (or have other grounds for 'free' prescriptions) - or you are not.

Rod

[Hidden in reply to helvella]

Well I think they should blumming pay for it, since in my humble opinion the Levo is completely unnecessary anyway. What's wrong with just giving an appropriate dose of carbi? Oh yes, now I remember, that would require careful monitoring, whereas chucking levo at the problem doesn't (note sarcasm).

[greenginger]

Hi you cannot get carbi on free prescription as being hyper is classed as a temporary thing (as you may recover or become hypo or die). However when hypo it is classed as permanent and so hypos can get free levo on prescription.

So if you are hyper then the answer is no. If hypo then yes. Simples.

Admin edit to add in the word 'free'

[Jillymo]

The answer is YES anyone with thyroid problems in the UK that is on medication gets free prescriptions. How lucky are we to get free med, I had a card I had to show at the chemist but i'm now the age where I get free medication.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Jillymo]

Unfortunately, not true.

The wording is:

myxoedema (that is, hypothyroidism which needs thyroid hormone replacement);

nhsbsa.nhs.uk/1126.aspx

This has been held not to cover either carbimazole alone (or other anti-thyroid medicine), nor even block and replace. However we have seen variation in interpretation and I could argue both ways based on those words.

More clearly, people with, say, a goitre or nodule which though it might be causing all sorts of problems means they remain within ranges for thyroid hormones are clearly not eligible. Until the relatively recent changes about charges and cancer, even those suffering thyroid cancer could have been outside this definition.

Rod

[Jillymo]

I was put on carbimazole in my middle thirties the levothyroxine was started a few years later.......unless things have changed in the last couple of years I have always received free prescriptions.

I was hyper then hypo surely if KKAJC is on Levothyroxine the bloods are not in the normal range & this warrants the free prescriptions.

I was not aware of the recent changes so thank you for informing me Rod.......thank goodness i'm now retired i would not be able to afford to pay for all the medication I have to take on a daily basis.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Jillymo]

We have certainly seen some people get 'free' prescription while others have been refused.

Further, while some GPs do tell their newly-diagnosed patients, others are poor. So possibly a number miss out because of that.

[KKAJC]

Thank you to everyone who responded. I was able to receive free prescriptions. Since my block and replace treatment I had one year without medication everything appeared 'normal'. However one year later my condition reappeared and I have undergone radioactive iodine treatment and I'm currently working with hospital to find correct dosage of levothyroxine for me. In 5 months I lost 3 plus stones in weight. Following treatment I have regained the weight. My BMI indicates I am on the wrong side of my healthy weight upper range. I am determined to shed 119 pounds to take me from 10st 3lbs to 8st 7lbs.