Is a prescription for a 3 months supply of thyroxine possible from a GP in England?

[Jen15]

Is it possible to get a prescription for more than one month's supply of thyroxine from my GP in England? If I go abroad for 2 or 3 months at a time then this could be a problem for me. Thanks.

[RedApple Administrator]

Yes, in theory but it's something you need to discuss with your GP well in advance. I think typically no more than three months though. nhs.uk/common-health-questi...

[Jen15 in reply to RedApple]

Many thanks. Will print this off and show to GP.

[Bobbymcbobblepants in reply to Jen15]

I get 3 months at a time from the GP so it should be OK

[Jen15 in reply to Bobbymcbobblepants]

Hi, is your GP in England?

[Bobbymcbobblepants in reply to Jen15]

Yup. Think I asked once my dose was stable and they were fine about it.

[carnation]

I get 3 month supply every time. I am in England.

[Ellie-Louise]

It is for me.

I’ve always been given 3 months worth of levo, right from the start when I was diagnosed a decade ago.

[Jen15]

It seems to be at the discretion of the individual GP then?

[RedApple Administrator in reply to Jen15]

Yes, that's correct. Most GPs just apply their own one or two month rule across all prescriptions without taking account that hypothyroidism is a long term thing and they could save themselves time and money by allowing longer prescribing periods for it.

[RedApple Administrator in reply to RedApple]

I meant to add though that the NHS only has a limited obligation to supply you with medication when you're going abroad for long periods.

[selina_kohen]

I get 6 months supply every time from the GP in England.

[RedApple Administrator in reply to selina_kohen]

That makes so much sense, especially as they only test once a year so you're supposedly on the same dose for a year anyway. Wish all GPs would do the same. Would save the NHS some money surely.

[Joanneconnor]

Yes I used to get 3 months 🙂

[Helsan]

Ive asked for 3 month supply. Gp says CCG (Cambridge and Peterborough) only allows 28 days. He gave me CCG leaflet and conceded 2 months. It’s ridiculous as supply of brands is erratic.

[Jen15]

Many thanks.