Vitamin D Prescriptions

[dunnitall]

Hi, just asking if anyone else in a vulnerable group I.e. Requiring Vitamin D medication due to health issues has been refused them on prescription by their doctor and told to buy them over the counter?

My Other half's consultant said they have a deficiency and needed this medication, the GP gave script first time, but twice now a different GP at same surgery said to buy them over the counter! OH is entitled to free scripts so why should these tablets be bought when everything else comes on repeat prescription?

[TSENRAE]

My vitamin D was prescribed by my GP because they are high strength. Everyone in my area is being prescribed Vitamin D.

[johnny37]

I was diagnosed 5% osteoparosis 5yrs ago and prescribed vitamin D ever since. It has never been reviewed I am over 65.

[sunny-dave]

Vitamin D supplements can be bought over the counter at (about) 5p per tablet - a pack of 100 costs under £5 and will last over three months.

It would cost the NHS about £15 to dispense a months supply - by the time everyone has had their payment from the prescription/dispensing system.

Given that the shortage is (in most people) due to not eating correctly or lack of sunlight, it seems entirely reasonable that they should cough up and pay the small amount for the supplement pills.

[johnny37]

I was prescribed ADCAL (vitamin D + calcium) twice daily. I dont know how the charging works but I would be surprised if the NHS pays £15 (for two months) if its a fiver over they counter for three. Crazy if they do. I'll check with my pharmacist later!

Its wrong the GP should send you to buy them if he thinks they are necessary. I would got back and ask is it a 'nice to have' or do I need them?

[sunny-dave]

My £15 is based on the cost of the doctor issuing the script (usually factored at about £10) and the £5 or so it costs for the actual dispensing and processing of the script.

I'm not saying that no-one should get the supplement on the NHS, just that (like all non POMs) there should be careful consideration by the GP before a script is issued. It's daft that a cash strapped NHS is paying pounds to dispense drugs that cost pennies (just look at the cost of generic paracetamol tablets dispensed on scripts).

[dunnitall]

Thanks for your replies and I agree with Johnny37, if the consultant, not the GP said they are needed then they should be supplied on script which they were a couple of times by one GP but the other GP refuses! Double standards here methinks. Also @ sunny Dave, my OH is prone to vitamin D deficiency because of an autoimmune and other medical problems. They aren't taken because of a trend like some people might, they are taken because they are required. I don't see why if all the other meds my OH is on are on repeat script but this GP denies these. We don't mind paying for things but get free scripts because of age and medical conditions!