Why are prescriptions free

[phleb]

when your on thryroxine?

[phleb]

*thyroxine

[bednobs]

because it's just what's been decided by the department of health i suppose

[lcg]

because you can die without it.....it's a long-term condition on 'the list' that qualifies you.

[sherrardk]

I think all prescriptions are free in Wales, just saying.

[hc4361]

Because it needs to be taken every day, for life, or very long term.
There are other medical conditions that entitle one to free prescriptions.


Treatment for cancer; note this includes treatment for the effects of cancer, or treatment for the effects of a current or previous cancer treatment.
A permanent fistula requiring dressing.
Forms of hypoadrenalism such as Addison's disease.
Diabetes insipidus and other forms of hypopituitarism.
Diabetes mellitus except where treatment is by diet alone.
Hypoparathyroidism.
Myxoedema (underactive thyroid) or other conditions where thyroid hormone replacement is necessary.
Myasthenia gravis.
Epilepsy requiring continuous anticonvulsive medication.
A continuing physical disability which means you cannot go out without help from another person.

[shaneystar2]

Because it's usually a lifelong complaint .
If you are diagnosed with an underactive thyroid then you are entitled to free prescriptions for life (uness, more rarely, your hypothyroidism is a temporary condition). This means all your prescriptions will be free, not just your thyroid medication.
http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/1126.aspx

[phleb]

I am on it,and havent taken my tablets for a while. I was in morrisons today, and while packing my items i started to hyperventilate and shake, i told the kids to get away from me, they were agitating me. I finally packed up and got to the car, took some deep breaths and got home safe. Is this because i don't take my thyroxine? How long do you need to be off it to die? I am not thinking of dieing, i love my life, apart from a few hiccups.

[LazyGun]

List here of chronic illnesses where you can apply for an exemption from prescription fees, phleb. Hypothyroidism is one of a few conditions...

http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/1126.aspx

[LazyGun]

oops... bit of crossposting going on :) - my post effectively duplicated HCs and Shaneystars...

[hc4361]

Why haven't you taken your tablets? Did your GP or consultant tell you to stop?

[LazyGun]

There are a fair number of possible medical consequences of not taking thyroxine, all of which are essentially the complications of hypothyroidism.

Article here which lists the more common..

http://thyroid.about.com/od/thyroiddrugstreatments/a/refusingmeds.htm

[shaneystar2]

You won't die but you'll certainly feel unwell as you've described .
I have hypothyroidism .Hashimotos disease .I could not function without my daily medication.
Take the tablets !!!

[phleb]

I know how to take it, i just forget, and it doesnt make me feel any different when i do take it

[bednobs]

but it does make you feel different when you don't take it

[shaneystar2]

Thyroxine takes a while to kick in . You won't feel better overnight .But you must take the medication every day .No use taking it when you think about it .
If you think it's not helping then go back to the doctor and have a blood test Perhaps your levels have changed and you need a higher dosage .

[sherrardk]

I'm not a big fan of medicines (dont like swaowing tablets), but if the doc told me I needed to take something, I would.

[starone]

One of the reasons why it is free is so that those of us who haven't got much money can still get it. You must take it every day phleb so that you do not get any more attacks such as the one you got in Morrisons. There are ways to help you remember. I have to take pills and I put them in a pill container that has days and times on it - they are quite cheap to buy. I make sure I take them as soon as I have my breakfast. After a while it becomes habit and you take them as part of your meal.

[boxtops]

You need to take it - pin up a notice in the kitchen to remind you. It will make you feel better long term.... and you get it free because it's for a recognised long term condition. It's paid for from NHS funds. Do take it - it will help you.