Free prescriptions?

[Berlidders]

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

[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 in reply to Clutter]

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

[QUE6T-33 in reply to Clutter]

When you pay for private prescription - how many months supply

can you ask for ?

[Clutter in reply to QUE6T-33]

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

[QUE6T-33 in reply to Clutter]

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]

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

[lovinggrandmother in reply to Berlidders]

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

[Berlidders in reply to lovinggrandmother]

That's the good news! X

[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]

Yes it,s true

[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]

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

[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 Administrator Thyroid UK]

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