liothyronine prescriptions

[cazlooks]

my GP surgery has told me that they no longer intend to write prescriptions for liothyronine (my family of 4 have a genetic condition and require this daily). They say that the prescriptions need to be written by an NHS consultant. We spoke to our consultant and he says he can't write them either. Does anyone know who is responsible for getting prescriptions for it?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

cazlooks

My understanding is that an endo has to initiate the trial and provide the prescription, thereafter if T3 is to continue being prescribed then the GP prescribes it. Any withdrawal of prescription can only be done after patient/endo consultation, the GP can't just stop the prescription.

I don't know if your particularl area has some new regulation regarding prescribing. If you add the area that you are in it's possible that SlowDragon may be able to help.

[tattybogle]

As far as i understand it...

If the prescription for T3 was initiated by an NHS endocrinologist, working in an NHS capacity ,( not in private capacity), then the GP is supposed to continue it , or refer back to the endocrinologist to stop it/change it / try the patient on Levo instead etc. NHS GP's are under no obligation to continue to write prescriptions for T3 if they were initiated privately.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Are you in England?

Do you know which CCG area you are in

Was T3 trial initially prescribed via NHS endocrinologist.

Guidelines are that initial 3-6 month trial is via hospital pharmacy. Once trial is assumed to be going well NHS endocrinologist writes to GP to formally request they take over care (and cost) of ongoing prescriptions

Obviously GP doesn’t want to spend their budget on T3 so they are wanting to stop prescription

T3 dose can ONLY be altered by endocrinologist

GP should not alter T3 prescription - should refer to endocrinologist

pulsetoday.co.uk/news/clini...

New NHS England Liothyronine guidelines July 2019

sps.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploa...

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Prescription numbers in England, searchable by CCG area

openprescribing.net/analyse...

[thyr01d]

My GP told me he same as yours but I have now been on Liothyronine for several years. Endocrinologists (presumably needn't be the actual consultant?) can and do prescribe Lio. I asked for a referral to a different endocrinologist after the first one I saw would not prescribe Lio. Presumably you know there's a list available here of endos who do prescribe it?

[serenfach]

Ask them to put it in writing and give a reason they are no longer prescribing. This is sometimes enough for them to change their minds, as they know anything they put in writing can be legally challenged. Saving money is not a medical reason.