How many months for a repeat prescription eg Levo?

[TaraJR]

I've read this somewhere before but cannot find it now. It may also help others.

For how many months can a doctor prescribe for a long-term condition eg thyroxine? Many doctors seems to give 1 or 2 months at a time, but I have a feeling there's an official document saying it can be for up to 6 months' worth? Does anyone have a link for that document please?

[bantam12]

We get 2 months supply.

[Treepie]

I get 3 months supply.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

TaraJR

It would seem that this varies by each individual GP surgery. Mine only gives 4 weeks supply for anything, thyroid or otherwise, I doubt they would change that if there was anything "official" that says they could give more. I used to get 4 months supply on each prescription but that was many, many years ago.

[TaraJR]

It does seem to vary between different surgeries, but I'm sure there's an official document somewhere. Maybe DHSC?

[JumpJiving]

My NHS GP normally does prescriptions for just 1 month at a time. However, I recently received a private prescription that was for just over 12 months. Whether there are different rules for private prescriptions I don't know. From what the private GP said, it sounded as if it were a case of monitoring - she was happy that I monitor my blood test results regularly, so as long as I update her with the results her insurance covers her because she can be seen to be monitoring my condition. I guess that's why the NHS GP insists on medication reviews once or twice per year too, not that they actually check anything during them - just a case of asking how I feel and whether I want to continue on a particular medication (not sure how to answer next time - I've weaned myself off everything the NHS GP prescribes as I've found better alternatives myself).

So, not an answer based on official policies I'm afraid, but I suspect GPs can prescribe for longer periods as long as they can be seen to be monitoring somehow. Perhaps somebody can confirm?

[knitwitty]

Hi Tara I was told that only one month could be prescribed at a time, but I challenged them saying how could it be cost effective to have to dispense 12 prescriptions per year and pay 12 dispensing charges as opposed to 4 ( with 3 monthly prescriptions )for a long term medication. They couldn't really argue with that logic , I now get 3 monthly prescriptions.

Whether that will stay the same in the future, who knows!

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

The MHRA report on levothyroxine recommends three-month prescribing. When I asked for that (as a new patient at a new surgery) the doctor very much implied that the pharmacists wouldn't like it - she gave me two months.

Levothyroxine Tablet Products: A Review of Clinical & Quality

Considerations

07 January 2013

9. Levothyroxine should be prescribed and dispensed in quantities covering three months supply, where appropriate, in order to address issues of continuity of supply and also to improve convenience to patients.

.

gov.uk/government/uploads/s...

My last GP appointment, I asked for, and was given a 3 month prescription.

[TaraJR in reply to helvella]

Ah, thanks helvella that's what I've read before but I'd no idea where. I might quote it to my surgery. It's such a waste of everyone's time getting repeats more often.

[loueldhen]

bma.org.uk/advice/employmen...

Extract:

Is there a standard prescription interval?

Doctors should provide prescriptions for intervals that they feel are clinically appropriate, taking into

account such factors as possible reactions, the stability of the treatment, patient compliance, and

any necessary monitoring. Sometimes a doctor may give six or even twelve months supply on one

prescription (for example the contraceptive pill, or thyroxine, with a regular review in surgery once

the patient is safely stabilised) as this is cost-effective and convenient for patients. A report2 on

prescribing durations recognises that blanket instructions to only give 28 days’ supply are associated

with significant increases in dispensing and other transaction costs, together with reductions in

compliance in previously stable patients, and an increase in dissatisfaction amongst patients because

of travel costs and time to obtain regular medicines. It can also place significant and unnecessary

workload on the doctor and surgery staff.

My GP practice does 2 months.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to loueldhen]

Well found.

Odd, isn't it, that this BMA opinion seems to be more honoured in the breach.

[loueldhen in reply to helvella]

Our parish council had to buy our surgery. I got too familiar with GP contracts etc.

[TaraJR in reply to loueldhen]

Many thanks I thought there'd be something somewhere!