Free prescriptions?: My mum tells me that you get... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

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Free prescriptions?

Berlidders profile image
14 Replies

My mum tells me that you get all your prescriptions for free once you have been diagnod with a thyroid problem. Is this true? ALL your scripts? Really? Sounds too good to be true!

Bx

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Berlidders profile image
Berlidders
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14 Replies
Clutter profile image
Clutter

Berlidders, not all thyroid problems, the exemption from charges is for myxoedema (hypothyroidism) because it is a life long condition. You have to apply for a medical exemption card. Your GP receptionist or pharmacist can supply a form. Complete and pass to your GP to authorise and send off.

Hyperthyroid patients pay for their prescriptions because the condition is transient or they are eventually made hypothyroid.

Berlidders profile image
Berlidders in reply toClutter

Ahhh as always you know everything. Thank you very much xxx

QUE6T-33 profile image
QUE6T-33 in reply toClutter

When you pay for private prescription - how many months supply

can you ask for ?

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply toQUE6T-33

QUE6T-33, I think it will depend on the prescribing endo/GP.

QUE6T-33 profile image
QUE6T-33 in reply toClutter

Think there must be guidelines Clutter, as Private Dr

says only allowed to prescribe x amount of tabs.

And when paying £25 per script, would be interested to know

what allowance is.

Berlidders profile image
Berlidders

I'm sure! Im just happy to avoid that dastardly prescription price for the odd occasion I do need something :)

lovinggrandmother profile image
lovinggrandmother in reply toBerlidders

If you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism and you get your exemption certificate, ALL your prescribed medication is free not just thyroxin.

Berlidders profile image
Berlidders in reply tolovinggrandmother

That's the good news! X

Sewnsew profile image
Sewnsew

I've just got my exemption card, yippee! I don't get too many meds but now I can't work, every little counts!

Vickijw profile image
Vickijw

Yes it,s true

bestbuddy profile image
bestbuddy

The medical exemption card has been a blessing to me. I am sure I am not the only one on Thyroid UK to have a number of medical conditions which need a regular prescription to manage each one.

I am on medication for high blood pressure and I am also on a DMARD a disease modifying anti rheumatic drug (musculoskeletal/ lupus type condition) again, essential to keep me well.

I need eye drops for Thyroid Eye Disease for life and a saliva substitute to keep my mucous membranes in my mouth form drying out at night. I also have coeliac disease so need a prescription for basic essential items, all helping to contribute to my overall health.

The thyroid gland is known as the master gland and if it is malfunctioning can have a knock on effect on many conditions and has many serious implications for your general health.

Being in receipt of the medical exemption card is a way of ensuring compliance with the medication which in turn leads to better health. I don't regard the card as getting 'free' medications as such. I have worked all my life and have paid my national insurance contributions without fail, so the system is supporting me in my hour of need.

I wish you all wellness as you manage your condition / s

Glynisrose profile image
Glynisrose

Do not forget that uat sufferers are open to other illnesses that are debilitating.

girl66 profile image
girl66

Yes I get my prescriptions free - but I hardly ever needed any before I had thyroid cancer.

I would soooo much rather pay and have a healthy thyroid. X

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator

Do bear in mind that we English patients are all allowed to buy a prepayment certificate at £104 for a year. So the "free" prescriptions that we get with a Medex are worth no more than that.

Anyone in England who does not qualify for a Medex, and does have to pay for prescriptions, but is likely to have more than twelve prescriptions in a year should consider getting a prepayment certificate.

nhsbsa.nhs.uk/1127.aspx

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