Prescription......Just found out how it works.

[LynneJ]

You may already know this but I just found out something interesting!

I have changed pharmacies for my repeat prescription and went to the new one to explain I needed coated azathioprine.

The pharmacist said with generic tablets the doctor needs to name the makers e.g. Arrow generics, not just the tablets on the prescription to guarantee that we get the ones we need otherwise we have to take which generic ones that are in which may be coated or not.

Lynne

[Deb01]

Hi Lynne

This is quite true. I work in this industry and can assure you that if the prescription for the drug is written generically, then the least expensive at that time will be given whether or not the particular tablet is coated. If you need the coated variety, make sure you make the doctors receptionist aware when ordering your repeat prescription. This is the same for all drugs, i.e. aspirin is often coated etc. Hope this help. Debbie

[cedric]

that is intresting idont take azathioprine but would be intresting to know what other tablets there is that need to be told to the patients

[LynneJ Vasculitis UK Volunteer]

I am collecting my prescription this afternoon and will see what happens! Someone has said on facebook that they used to have to watch it with epilepsy drugs.

I have asked my receptionist and nurse on numerous occasions to get the prescription changed but it is looking like I will have to take up an appointment to get something done. I had hoped to avoid this.

I am not being difficult as I have tried the uncoated ones and apart from making me feel sick when I cut the one up (as they don't do 25g and I need 75g morning and evening) I found I was loosing bits as they crumbled!

I don't think this is at all cost effective as if I took the uncoated ones I would have to go back to taking Lanzoprazole. Another tablet added to the list!!!!

Lynne

[suffolkgirl in reply to LynneJ]

I've only been on Azathioprine for almost 4 weeks now and I have 25mg film-coated tablets, by Sandoz Ltd, so if you can get these you would not need to cut them. I know how difficult this can be as my husband has some tablets that he has to cut in half, and they often shatter!

We don't have to collect from a pharmacy as our GP surgery has its own dispensary. However, they sometimes have to order in specially which may take a 2-3 days.

[PatriciaAnn]

Hi Lynne

I usually take 50mg am and 50mg pm, but for a few weeks I had to reduce to 50mg am and 25mg pm. I was prescribed 25mg with no probs. Maybe it is enteric coated that don't come in 25mg.

PatriciaAnn