Filling prescrip for vial of insulin

[tomintheusa]

I've asked this kind of question before, but I need to update my understanding.

I'm an American type 2 who uses humalog in a Medtronic pump. I buy it in 1000 unit vials when I'm home in the US.

I'll be traveling in England and on the continent this summer, from May 31 through Aug 6. I've worked out when I'll need to refill my regular prescription for humalog, while I'm on the road. I will have hard copy written prescrips from my US Dr. I am aware I will need to find a Dr in England who will use these to write me "English prescrips" an English pharmacy will accept and fill. One of those refills will occur when I'm in Cambridge for about 3 days in mid June with a tour group.

My question now is: Once I have the prescrips that an English pharmacy will accept and fill, is it reasonable to expect that I can just walk into any pharmacy and they will be able to fill it on the spot? I have never had to wait a day in the US for a pharmacy to have a vial in their store, but since I'm planning a fairly complex day to day schedule I want to be prepared ahead of time for what to expect. What's typical?

Thx.

Tom in the US

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Hi Tom

Yes. Perfectly reasonable, but not guaranteed.

There are usually several dispensaries/pharmacies within walking distance in towns/cities in the UK (high street chains eg Boots or Lloyds, Drs surgeries with pharmacy attached, many larger supermarkets have them too).

You can hand over the 'script and ask them to check that they have an item in stock before paying. 9/10 pharmacies have my insulin (NovoLog vials) in stock, but it's always worth checking.

If they don't you just ask where the next nearest is and walk 10 minutes to the next one and try there!

Enjoy your visit 🙂

 

[tomintheusa]

Outstanding, everyday...

Thx very much. Sounds like this is one item I can take OFF my worry list!

Now all I'll have to do is find a Dr who will write me the necessary prescrips once I'm in Cambridge!

Tom

 

[Caroline]

It's nice to cross things off the worry list. I'd go with asking if they have the item in stock first, most pharmacies do. I have come across pharmacies that don't heve evrything I need in stock and it is usally the most important item, so I ask first.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[AlisonM]

I just checked and there aren't any walk in clinics in Cambridge, but as it's a university town with folk from all over the world I'm the the local GPs are used to this sort of situation. I don't think you'll have any trouble. I'd bring a letter from your own doctor explaining your needs with you though as added insurance.