NHS Prescritions What could I pay for myself to reduce the cost

Mick, our GP's have changed some of my regular treatments for skin conditions to cheaper alternatives. I'm fine with that. I think it's part of the general move to reduce the cost of prescriptions.

I don't believe things like paracetamol (for example) should be given on prescription because it can be bought in the supermarket very cheaply.

This is a difficult one. Paracetamol is very difficult to buy if you need maximum dose for any length of time. My GP suggested a prescription for me when advising maximum dose for an extended period, this was reinforced by a consultant recently. It's very difficult to purchase enough without raising suspicion and being constantly questioned. As I said, a difficult one and perhaps best addressed by doctors on an individual basis. My personal gripe is the difficulty in having an item removed from a repeat prescription. Can't recall how many times I didn't request it but there it was on my prescription. Succeeded now, but it took perseverance.

The system can be confusing at times: I bought heel balm at the chemist because my heels were badly cracked, asked which one was the best, the pharmacist said "XXX - but it is expensive, you might want to ask the GP for it". I wouldn't dream of doing that.

I'm on our local PPG and heard there that some patients come to appointments with a "shopping list"!

This raises the whole issue of how we should use the NHS. I'm shocked by the idea of a 'shopping list' and would never dream of asking for OTC medicines on preseciption.

It's common knowledge that the NHS is in difficulties partly due to funding issues, partly due to patients abusing services like A&E and partly due to those who simply refuse to take responsibility for their own health.

cornergran is right. If you need maximum dose paracetamol daily, which many people do who have chronic pain, you would have to be buying paracetamol every four days. If you need additional painkillers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, you would have to be going to different shops in order to buy them the same day. 32 is the maximum number of painkillers of any kind that supermarkets can sell you in one go, possibly even in one day.

Before you condemn someone for getting OTC painkillers on prescription, put yourself in the position of someone who is a minimum of three miles away from a shop selling painkillers, has no car, and needs the maximum dose daily.

It's a "walk a mile in someone else's shoes" moment, folks! Just try to imagine being in pain all the time. You can't unless you have experienced it.

I use plain paracetamol which which is very cheap as long as you don't go buying the branded versions.

I tend to buy the maximum OTC ?32 tablets in a couple of different shops. Which does depend on having enought shops around that sell the generic product.

Most corner shops seem to sell the branded goods.
I don't get prescriptions for anything I can buy easily.

I don't think vitamin D tablets should be on prescription.You can buy as many as you like from Boots and elsewhere and you can got nine months supply for less than five pounds.

Exactly bags, the problem with pain is it is invisible. I look healthy. I'm in constant pain and feel far from it.

I use special shampoo, Capasal,for my psoriasis. I could get it on prescription but why shouldn't I buy it myself, you all have to buy your shampoo why am I different?

I have very dry skin with little patches of eczema on my lower legs. I wouldn't dream of going to get cream on prescription. Like Mick I have discovered Aveeno, I have to order it at my little Boots branch. They can get it for the next day. I buy over the counter Ibuprofen for my general aches and pains. I haven't visited the GP since February. I even syringed my ear with a little kit I bought for £3:89 from Amazon.

I'm condemning nobody bags

It is understood that those who need medicine on prescription should get it on prescription.