Unable to get medicine in UK

[micmanp]

I am a Chinese citizen, living in the UK. I have had an over active thyroid problem since 1989, for which I was prescribed Propylthiouracil by the Chinese specialists. Every year I go back to China and while there I see the doctor and get my medicine. Because of covid I haven't been able to go back for over a year now and my GP in the UK is reluctant to prescribe the medicine. What can I do?

[fuchsia-pink]

Why is your GP reluctant? Have you had recent blood tests?

Alternatively, go private - it will cost you but it's quick. There are LOTS of posts here and info on the main Thyroid UK site about private blood testing - and then see a private endo - either put up a new post asking for endo recommendations near you, or ask Dionne at Thyroid UK for the list of recommended private endos - [e-mail]

Good luck

[pennyannie]

Hello Micmanp and welcome to the forum :

If you have a diagnosis of hyperthyroid I don't understand your doctor's reluctance.

Generally in the UK Carbimazole seems to be the more widely used anti thyroid drug but Propylthiouracil i - PTU for short - is the alternative and also prescribe.

Could it be that you need to be " in the system " and under an named endocrinologist for the treatment to be sanctioned ?

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Has the GP refused PTU specifically or refused giving you any anti-thyroid?

PTU is prescribed in UK for pregnant women or if carbimazole causes a severe reaction. (PTU is 2nd option). Often a GP has to make a referral to a hospital specialist and seek advice and guidance (permission) on the commencement an anti thyroid.

If your recent bloods don’t show an issue the referral will not be submitted or accepted. Is your GP rechecking your thyroid function?

Do you have any recent results.

What is the cause of your hyperthyroidism? Have you taken PTU continuously.? What dose?

[micmanp]

Thank you for all of your advice. I have been waiting over 2 weeks for the blood tests my GP said he would organise. I know there will be another long delay to get the results and then another delay to get an appointment with the GP.I have decided to take your advice and I have sent for an on line blood test kit and I am now looking for a private endocrinologist.

[pennyannie in reply to micmanp]

Hey there :

If you go into the Thyroid UK website you will find details of private companies who can run the blood tests for you and there is also a list of " recommended endos and consultants " both NHS and private.