Prescription charges

But Poundland don’t have a chemist do they? I just think it’s playing to the gallery by NHS England without considering those who need long term pain relief - some of whom need it of course because of longer waiting lists for knee and hip replacements

I suppose the chemist has to make a judgement.

It’s only guidance Jal but clearly if breached and there was liver damage there would be a case for damages ( and quite right too) which is why we should stop being self righteous and think about those who need the medication everyday

You can buy 3 packs of 16 at a time in poundland.
Its probably less elsewhere?

ps not for headaches - for knee pain.

The pharmacist made a mistake, then; it was only last week.

DD told me yesterday that buying paracetamol over the counter is banned in Germany because it is considered to be very dangerous; she preferred to take Nurofen for a headache although my GP will not prescribed NSAIDS.
I prefer to take Naproxen but he will not prescribe it.
? Me too.

Have any of you seen the programme hosted by Dr. rangan Chattergee? He spends a lot of time finding alternatives to pain killers. If only he could visit and advise all who need him.

You can only buy 32 at once. They are not to be banned for chronic conditions. Some people need them in a therapeutic dose for severe pain - safer than codeine based products so should still be prescribed. It's for headaches/sore throats/minor time limited pain they are to be banned. Cough mixtures have no therapeutic value whatsoever so should never be prescribed. Constipation - don't know as it can be dangerous and cause obstruction.

And people like my BIL aren’t taking them for fun are they? Why is it all right to get eg your thyroxin free but you should have to pay for necessary regular pain relief?

That was in Boots

me apologies - she sold me 2 packets of 32, 8 days supply.

Government guidance is 16 tablets eg a supermarket or 32 if a pharmacist deals with it.

maryeliza I am supposed to take 8 per day (GP's recommendation), however, I don't.

I found that a helpful chemist will supply 32 tablets at a time if asked - they usually ask why you need that many.

However, when I was in Australia I found that there was no limit to what I could buy and bought a packet of, I think, 96 extra strength ones designed especially for osteo purposes.

ME I think you've made a really valid point. It must be a real nightmare for people who need to take the maximum dose for medical reasons. There should be a sensible way to allow them to buy a reasonable supply.

Maryeliza I take your point completely. The best solution I have been able to come up with, and I see no reason for the NHS not to implement it, is for people who need to take paracetemol all the time to be issued with a card which gives them permission to purchase x number of packs at a time. The card could be valid for a limited time, renewable as necessary, to allow for someone no longer needing to take the drug on a regular basis.

Yes I agree maryeliza infact a very good idea . Most chemists ( well my local Asda chemist) sell a large box of 76 paracetamols so not too bad .

I agree they shouldn’t be on prescription . I buy a 3 monthly paid certificate too and NEVER include these on prescription .

Mobility ptoblems

Sorry I was posting as you wereMissadventure.
So at Poundland that’s 6 days supply at the maximum dose.
How many can you buy at once?

Exactly Miss - all that halo polishing for not using a prescription but without considering that needing the prescription and having mobi,it’s oroblems can go hand in hand. I respect my BIL for his actions but woukd not criticise him at all if he used a prescription

I think you made a good point Maryeliza.
I have no idea how many paracetamol one can buy at any one time but I think you can buy them in supermarkets too.
As you can tell I don’t buy them myself (don’t get them on prescription either!) so it would be interesting to know.

It is a strange set up. Can buy 3 packs of 16 for a pound in poundland.

Luckygirl makes a valid point. Why, if supermarket can sell 16 paracetamol, or ibuprofen, for less than 30p, why is the NHS charged more?

Its fine if you're mobile enough to go paracetamol shopping, but a lot of people aren't.

I have had paracetamol prescribed but never got it,its ridiculous

But what about the point I made?