Paracetamol

How long can you take Paracetamol for? My 91 year old mother takes it for back pain as she cannot take any other pain killer and has been using it regularly for a long time? Is there any limit on how long you can use the maximum dose?

Stansgran I was told to take 8 a day too, while I await knee replacements. (That's another story!)

Buying that many is not easy as I don't get to the shops now, and have no DC nearby to shop.

The pharmacist suggested the GP would prescribe larger quantities as it was the GP who suggested I take them and they have prescribed a much larger amount, which is a relief.

I know they are cheap but that's not the point - the point is the problem accessing enough every 4 days.

LucyLocket55

How long can you take Paracetamol for? My 91 year old mother takes it for back pain as she cannot take any other pain killer and has been using it regularly for a long time? Is there any limit on how long you can use the maximum dose?

That's worrying me, too LucyLocket

I am prescribed eight a day on prescription, as part of my pain management for RA. I don't like taking it, but combined with other meds, it can provide manageable pain relief.
It would be impossible to buy that amount, apart from trailing around various shops, especially as I haven't been out the house for seven weeks.

You have a valid reason for asking your GP for a script.

Callistemon21

LucyLocket55

How long can you take Paracetamol for? My 91 year old mother takes it for back pain as she cannot take any other pain killer and has been using it regularly for a long time? Is there any limit on how long you can use the maximum dose?

That's worrying me, too LucyLocket

Sometimes, there is no alternative!

growstuff

Poppyred

Prescribing paracetamol is costing the NHS a fortune. Also the prescribed ones are the size of small plates! You are allowed to buy two packs at a time which equals 32.
Surely you can buy from chemists online?

32 is only four days supply for somebody who needs to take the maximum dose.

It's Catch 22, isn't it growstuff.
They are cheap enough but you need paracetamol for the pain and it's the pain preventing you getting to the shops.

Online shopping?
Which shop would deliver two packets of paracetamol without a full order of other goods?

If I run out of paracetamol and ibuprofen (the GP prescribes stronger stuff - codeine and tramadol) for back pain, I just pop into the chemist, supermarket and corner shop to stock up. You can order online from wherever too - so the limit is pretty pointless.

Stansgran

Thanks for this . I had no idea the gp would do this. The next challenge is speaking to a gp! They are so keen to label me diabetic etc but to see our gp is a major challenge.

Does your surgery have a pharmacy assistant? Ours does now, she deals with repeat prescriptions and she asked the GP for a repeat of paracetamol.

Poppyred

Prescribing paracetamol is costing the NHS a fortune. Also the prescribed ones are the size of small plates! You are allowed to buy two packs at a time which equals 32.
Surely you can buy from chemists online?

The prescribed ones my FiL gets are just the normal sized capsule-style ones. Thirty-two tablets would only last him four days.

My GP doesn't prescribe paracetamol or ibuprofen any more. We're expected to buy them, so maybe it's different in London?

What I think is wrong is that because it’s a prescription drug, the costs are loaded because of processing the prescription. Last I read it was a minimum of £9 to process a prescription (excluding the drugs cost), it’s probably more now. The best thing would be if GPs could give people who need a paracetamol prescription a note which was accepted by the chemist to purchase more than two packs at a time if their reason was medical. At 50p for 16 (which is an overestimate), you could get 288 paracetamol for £9, which is a month’s supply.

That would be most sensible, Casdon!

My paracetamol use is monitored by my GP and consultant. If I was running or popping out (impossible) to the shops, they would have no way of knowing how active my RA and pain levels were.
Combined with other pain relief, paracetamol can be very effective for people, like me, who suffer from chronic pain.

After my recent stay in hospital, due to the fact that paracetamol was on my repeat list, the clinicians dispensed it without any problems.
In the past I have had to justify my need for it, when in hospital.
It's not just about avoiding paying it myself, there are many reasons, why it is on prescription.

I also forgot to say, my liver and kidney function are monitored, because I am on it. That wouldn't happen if I was buying it in a supermarket.

If I was running or popping out (impossible) to the shops

Come on, Marydoll, I'll hold your hand and we'll skip along together 🙂

It's nothing to do with avoiding paying for it even if some may think that. It's 30p a packet for the cheap ones!

Calli, I would need a piggie back! Are you up to it? 🤣

There is an alternative that hasn't been mentioned. I always ask for a copy of the consultant's letter - if you have one - if not, ring the consultant's secretary and ask for one.
Take this to your local pharmacist. Most (including most Boots) are happy to supply in larger quantities as long as they can see that you are acting on advice. It's a good idea to go to the same shop so they know you.
Some have policies against this, but I have been able to buy 94 at a time this way.

A major reason its limited to max 32 over the counter because it's used to self harm/suicide widely. Obviously someone can go round several places, but that the reason only chemists just sell 32's and its 16 in supermarkets.

Probably best to leave large regular dosage in the hands of proper prescriptions/consultants letter.

Wyllow3

A major reason its limited to max 32 over the counter because it's used to self harm/suicide widely. Obviously someone can go round several places, but that the reason only chemists just sell 32's and its 16 in supermarkets.

Probably best to leave large regular dosage in the hands of proper prescriptions/consultants letter.

It’s the additional cost of the prescription that is annoying Wyllow3. I wouldn’t in any way suggest that regular use shouldn’t be monitored, but the NHS paying so much more for it when prescribed is not right.

Marydoll

*Calli*, I would need a piggie back! Are you up to it? 🤣

We'll borrow some of those electric scooters, Marydoll!!

I'm not allowed to drive at the moment, Callie, can two ladies fit into one?😂

When we moved here I was summoned to a GP to discuss my pain meds. She listened and then told me I must not buy paracetamol or any other pain med over the counter as if on repeat I would automatically have annual blood tests to check liver and kidney functioning. along with a whole raft of other things to ensure keeping pain under control wasn’t masking or causing other issues. It’s not just about obtaining the very necessary medication, its about safe use.

In discussion elsewhere I’ve been told I’m a personal drain on resources, ‘people like you’ are causing NHS shortages, I shouldn’t be such a wimp and need maximum dose daily, ‘pain is all in your head’. I now tell no one I meet that I have pain medication (slow release maximum dose ibuprofen and paracetamol) on prescription.

You are of course right about the loading of cost to the NHS casdon, it is abhorrent and it’s not just with paracetamol. The issue is something that needs tackling, I’m just not sure of the best way.

If it’s a pavement scooter marydoll no licence needed. Or we can find one with a sidecar, like a motorbike has. . Think of the fun we could have racing.

It is of course perfectly normal to have liver and kidney function tested if you are on regular paracetamol, however you buy it. The fact you take it will be on your notes for your annual review.

You shouldn't do it unless your doctor is informed and has notes to that effect.