Medication problems

[mmgemini]

My GP has just informed me that he will be unable to supply all my medication for our trip in August and suggests that I purchase it 'out there'. As these are prescription only drugs (albeit common ones) what chance have I got?:confused: :confused:

I am trying to shorten the repeat dates to acquire a few more but don't think I will get a full 3 months.

Margaret (using Mike's log in as usual)

[bvudzichena]

What medications are we talking about and what countries will you be visiting?

it may be better to send me a PM...

[El Stiemo]

Hi Margaret,

well it would always be a possibility to visit a GP when you get here and have him issue you with another prescription which you then get here from the pharmacy. This means having to pay for a doctors visit, however. Furthermore, our medicamentation names may be different to what the stuff is called over at your side, so one would need to check that something comparable is available here...

[adrianandkate]

Furthermore, our medicamentation names may be different to what the stuff is called over at your side, so one would need to check that something comparable is available here...

In which case you would need the generic names of all the drugs. Kate

[Marc Lurie]

Hi Margaret,

It really depends on what drugs they are. We have a different scheduling system in SA from the UK. Shedule 1 and 2 drugs can be supplied by a Pharmacist. Shedule 3 drugs are obtainable by prescription, however there is some latitude for Pharmacists to supply them under special circumstances.

Several Shedule 4 drugs also have a Schedule 3 status in emergencies. AFAIK, anything above Schedule 4 MUST have a doctors prescription.

I take Allopurinol daily, a schedule 3 drug. I recently needed some more after I lost half a boxfull of them. No problem, I spoke to the pharmacist, and he was able to supply me with some to tide me over.

Here's a link: http://home.intekom.com/pharm/ where they have lists of drugs available in SA, and the Scheduling status of each of those drugs. Have a look through the list, and if your drugs are Schedule 2 or lower then you'll have no problems getting them in SA.

[mattsbmw]

My GP has just informed me that he will be unable to supply all my medication for our trip in August and suggests that I purchase it 'out there'. As these are prescription only drugs (albeit common ones) what chance have I got?:confused: :confused:

I am trying to shorten the repeat dates to acquire a few more but don't think I will get a full 3 months.

Margaret (using Mike's log in as usual)

If your doctor is not willing to rpescribe them contact your local Primary care trust (who Pays your doctor and there prescribing bill) to ask for the policy on issue of medication and if you can hev them for the long period.

[mmgemini]

If your doctor is not willing to rpescribe them contact your local Primary care trust (who Pays your doctor and there prescribing bill) to ask for the policy on issue of medication and if you can hev them for the long period.


Been there done that;)
They only referred me back to the GP.

Margaret

[andyb43]

See another GP in the medical centre.

The GP can prescribe up to 6 months with no worries hes just being an over paid K**B.

I have had loads of problems with bad GP's the ones that resent being over paid prescription wrighters If you find a good one then hang on to him.

We have been stockpiling medication for the last year for the very reason asking for extra.

Ps remind him of his 30% pay rise LOL:D

[adrianandkate]

Hi Margaret and Mike

Did you ever get this one sorted? It would be good to know for anyone else who wants to travel abroad, particularly through Africa, for more than three months.

A&K

[mmgemini]

I'm still working on this one.;) ;)

Even been as high as the Dept for Health in London who have no problems with a 6 month prescription but it has boiled down to the local Primary Health Care Trust who are pulling all the strings.

Mind as the saying goes 'faint heart never won fair lady' I have plans afoot:D :D

Margaret