Is it possible to buy thyroxine as I want to go... - Thyroid UK
Is it possible to buy thyroxine as I want to go abroad for a few months and am fed up fighting with GPs.
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It depends where you are going. I am able to buy it over the counter in France but not sure about anywhere else. Do take a current/empty box with you so you can demonstrate that you do have it prescribed in the UK.
Thanks Loobs39. I have found it difficult to get more than 1 or 2 months at a time except on 'special occasions' and would like to spend more time in France (luckily!). The house won't renovate itself, sadly. I find it quite stressful worrying about having to ask the Doctor for a longer prescription and just think it would be easier to buy them myself as and when necessary. I have been hypothyroid for 25+ years but only in the last few years have Doctors been reluctant to prescribe more than a month or two. It is a disgrace really as I only have blood tests once a year, so theoretically an annual or at least 6 monthly prescription would be sensible. I object to being treated like some half-wit by the medical profession, afer 25 years I'm hardly likely to take more than necessary! I expect it's more to do with their targets and rules which apply more to short-term conditions. Hey-ho. Such is life. Luckily, my current GP is excellent, but unluckily, I'm moving away. Can I ask the cost in France please? I take 125mcg a day. Thanks for your help.
If you are prescribed Levothyroxine there shouldn't be a problem in getting a 3 month supply, or longer if necessary. If you're self medicating there are online pharmacies you can buy from without prescription. PM me if you need links.
Hallo Clutter. I like the 'shouldn't be a problem'. Some practices in Cornwall are a nightmare. Devon not so bad. Really I would like to get six months at a time - like I used to in the 80s and 90s. For long-term conditions there should be discretion. Thanks for the help.
Sorry, I'm always given 2 month supply and my sister 3 months. Didn't realise it wasn;t universal.
Many areas/doctors have a 28-day prescribing policy. My former practice was persuaded to increase to 3 months - but just for me - by presenting things like the MHRA levothyroxine paper.
My new practice says they offer 3 months but have not yet put that to the test!
There certainly can be problems getting a three month supply, and any longer is not usually covered by NHS.
nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1755.aspx?...
Rod
Thanks Rod. The NHS, God Bless 'em. I can understand the 3 month rule with some medications, but to apply a blanket rule to all medications seems a bit bureaucratic. Many people these days spend 4-5 winter months in warmer climes due to SAD or just a plain hatred of cold rain! I would be happy to buy thyroxine myself, based on my current prescription but am loathe to buy it from an unauthorised source. Thanks again.
Hi Clutter
Would you please give me links for online pharmacies where I can buy Levothyroxine without prescription.
Many thanks
Hi I take your prescription with you as well.
I have been on levo for just over a year; my gps are very easy in prescribing it; i must have about a years' supply by now as Im still trying to get my meds right and they keep prescribing different strengths of pills PLUS the regular 100 mcg dosepills tht i have. I have levo coming out of my ears; maybe i could set up shop and make some money to pay for some of the nutritional support that Im on! Im about to see the dr again for health check and will ask her for some 50s (which i need.) No doubt i will get another 4 boxes of 100s along with them!
That made me smile! But must be a bit unsettling for you. GPs in my experience seem to think that 8-12 weeks should be enough time to 'settle in' to a dose. In my experience, it takes about 12 weeks for my body to get used to it, then another 4-6 weeks for me to be sure that there are any real changes. And when you get to the menopause..... don't get me started! Just be aware that your hormones will be all over the place and it will be trial and error as to how much HRT versus thyroxine you will need. Unfortunately, I can't do without HRT. I tried to wean myself off it, but my husband made me go back on!
Yes Im menopausal i think as well...i thought i was stable and felt great for a bout 6 months..then went thru a period of high stress. Now trying to get myself sorted again cos i crashed.....and 53 and havent had a period for about 3 months. So Im aware my body is all over the place. Ive almost doubled my dose in 6 weeks. (-:
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