Amount of tablets allowed in one prescription

[Bexta6060]

Anyone having issues getting a decent amount of thyroxine tablets at a time from their GP? I had to beg for a repeat to get me 2 months worth. Fair enough if they were going to do a blood test every 2 months but fat chance of that.

[Clutter]

Bexta6060,

Not sure what you consider a decent amount. I believe NHS doesn't generally supply more than 3 months prescription at a time to avoid wastage. My practice only supplied one month's supply of Levothyroxine for several years but recently has been supplying 2 months of Levothyroxine.

[Bexta6060 in reply to Clutter]

Ok so it's not just me then. Seems a waste of time for all concerned to have to keep going back to the GP every 2 months. In Australia I used to get 200 at a time with repeats. I guess its just another part of the NHS I need to get used to.

[Clutter in reply to Bexta6060]

Bexta6060,

You may be able to persuade your GP to issue up to 3 months prescription. I believe MHRA recommend that for hypothyroid patients. I order my prescription online and it is sent electronically to the pharmacy of my choice. I have another prescription which is reordered a 6 weekly intervals so I order Levothyroxine at the same time.

[helvella Administrator in reply to Clutter]

Quite right - the MHRA's report on levothyroxine (from the Teva scandal) said three months seems sensible.

gov.uk/government/publicati...

I am convinced that pharmacies are supporters of short prescribing periods. Not quite clear on their remuneration but I suspect they would lose out if a GP prescribed, say, one six-month prescription rather than six one-month prescriptions (or three two-month prescriptions).

[spongecat]

I get two months at a time on electronic repeat and pick up straight from the pharmacy. Don't have to go to the health centre at all for any 'script paperwork.