Concern for those in Greece with hypothyroidism.

[MacG]

Don't know if anyone else noticed in the lead article in the Guardian yesterday about the Greek economic collapse that some pharmaceutical provisions are running out. Thyroxin, was specifically mentioned. From a pharmacy in Athens "We've run out of thyroxin [thyroid treatment] and unless things change dramatically we'll be having a lot more shortages next week."

No offers to share medicines on the forum please. Use private messages if you need to.

24. Do not post offers to sell or give away your unwanted medications or over the counter supplements. Some people may have adverse reactions to the ingredients in these and you may be held responsible. Similarly, do not post requests for meds or over the counter supplements from others.

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Marz]

There was a post about this yesterday....I live in Crete. Off tomorrow to do a chase around all the Pharmacies for some T3....

[Marz in reply to Marz]

...oh dear I don't think it is there anymore. What happened ?

[Clutter in reply to Marz]

Marz, I deleted the thread as it breached posting guidelines.

24. Do not post offers to sell or give away your unwanted medications or over the counter supplements. Some people may have adverse reactions to the ingredients in these and you may be held responsible. Similarly, do not post requests for meds or over the counter supplements from others.

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Marz in reply to Clutter]

Thank you - of course. Just didn't think

[Framboise in reply to Clutter]

So sorry Clutter, in my anger about what's happening to a country I love I just didn't think! I've been helped a lot by knowledgable Greek pharmacists and their ability to sell some things OTC, for which I'm very grateful. It had never occurred to me that one day things might become unavailable.

[Clutter in reply to Framboise]

Framboise, I think it's brought that home to all of us. Bad enough when war causes medicines and food shortages but when peoples' health is impacted due to a financial spat it really sticks in the craw.

[Marz in reply to Framboise]

Just visited 5 chemists in our area - very rural ! Have obtained a few boxes to keep hubby and I going ! Have also ordered in each one but it seems they are restricted to 2 boxes per day. Will do the circuit again tomorrow !

Some seemed confused when I asked if there was a problem ! The world is still turning and the sun still shining.... Just bought the most delicious olive bread - just out of the oven in the village !

[MacG in reply to Marz]

Hi, Thanks for replying. Checked through posts yesterday before I made mine, but couldn't see anything.

It's difficult to know what to do to help.

[Marz in reply to MacG]

Yes it was deleted for the reasons that Clutter has stated above. My mistake - just didn't think !

[Justiina]

I read about this and I find it worrying. Also that people simply don't have money to buy medication.

I find it worrying as in crisis some people are underminded, there are people who are in danger. Especially those who have no thyroid gland.

I find it worrying that meds are pure business. It tells a lot about values. No money no treatment. Drug companies should be obligated to deliver help in crisis immediately. It serves no one if people are without their medication suffering and in worst case end up in hospital. They might not even get help there. All that costs more in the long run than having an emergency stock delivered.

And that includes all medication they might be running out.

Sorry I sound so dramatic

[MacG in reply to Justiina]

Agree entirely with what you say about the drug companies. Of course there are those in Greece who can sort themselves out/have the funds and wherewithal to buy online. It's for those that do not - the vulnerable - that I am concerned.

[gabkad in reply to MacG]

Try Syria, Iraq, Liberia, Sierra Leone....good luck if hypo or hyper thyroid in places like that.. By comparison Greece is absolutely fine. There may be some access difficulty but the drugs are very cheap compared to the U.K. A person can buy drugs without a prescription. Same as in Turkey. Greek people help one another out.

[Clutter in reply to gabkad]

Gabkad, the drugs have to be available to be bought. Pharmacies are running out/have run out of essential medication.

[gabkad in reply to Clutter]

Probably because people have stocked up. The Greek people have been through much worse historically and they are good at coping with adverse situations. Also there's very large populations of Greek immigrants in other countries who would not let their relatives suffer if they can help them.

Over here in Toronto I have quite a number of friends whose families are from Greece. They are totally paying attention to what's going on and are always prepared to lend a helping hand when needed.

The Germans know that Greece can either be a free gateway for migrants or it can be a filter for them. If they really put the gears to Greece, then it will be a free for all for migrants to continue into the rest of Europe. No reason whatsoever for the Greek government to spend money on holding migrants and verifying their legitimacy. It's sort of a blackmail for sure and has been since the beginning of the financial 'crisis'. Now even worse with the Syrians taking to boats because it's safer by sea than getting by ISIS.

It's all a sh*tshow.

[Marz in reply to gabkad]

Although the T3 is made in Greece - it is possible some of the ingredients come from other countries. No-one is giving credit to Greece - so this would prevent them being able to buy essentials for the finished product....

I do not know this for sure - just thinking on my feet....

[gabkad in reply to Marz]

How are you managing with your supply? Have you found enough to get you by for a while?

[Marz in reply to gabkad]

Thank you yes - I have found enough to keep me going - hubby too. Had blood tests done locally for family and when I collected the results I was told I could pay when things settle down ! So thoughtful. Lots of good things happening too

[Marz]

That is so kind Framboise - will let you know how I do tomorrow. Am hoping a family member will be adding T3 to her T4 - so perhaps you can send it to her in the UK. Wow that would be great - thank you so much....

Yes Greece is in a mess - and it will be 2050 apparently before they can solve the debt problem - according to the IMF. Still the sun is free and I have had a lovely swim and relax in the garden - so its not all bad. Off now to the beach to collect family who are staying.....

[Heloise in reply to Marz]

So sorry about this, Marz. People's lives don't seem to matter at all. On the radio they pointed out that there are very many elderly people living on retirement and they don't tend to spend their money because of the recession. That is very understandable but if they do have the money to pay for medications why is there a shortage? Perhaps they would have to increase the price but they should still be able to obtain it.

I, myself, am trying to divide a capsule into three parts to get the right dose.

[Marz in reply to Heloise]

Not sure what is happening - will know more when I go around on a hunt this morning....

[ppf123]

.It must be awful in Greece with the worry of loosing all your finances and access to your medical needs Let pray that there is some solution for the people of that wonderful country