Prescribing OTC Painkillers.

[cherrypie]

Should Dr's prescribe OTC painkillers such as Lemsip?

"When G.P.'s begin shouldering the responsibility for prescribing costs, it will be interesting to see if this continues".
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15627365

 

[novorapidboi26]

I dont think the regular stuff should be prescribed, only the strong, possibly addictive stuff.......

 

[Copepod]

Many OTC remedies cost less than the prescription charge in England - currently ?7.40 - so GPs tend only to prescribe if the person gets free prescription costs, due to either income or chronic medical condition or pregnancy or similar situation.

Personally, I feel that by reusing needles and lancets, so I only need a box of each once every 2 years or so, getting a couple of boxes a year of 400mg ibuprofen for period pain and sports injuries is a fair deal. If GP refused to prescribe, I would buy my own, but diabetes has seriously adversely affected my earning capacity.

 

[Caroline]

As long as pharmacists are doing their job then things like lemsip should not be prescribed.

It is something my doctor does and where people have to pay for prescriptions my pharmacist tells them it is cheaper without the prescription.

I agree only very strong or addictive stuff should be prescribed and then properly monitored.

 

[paul.johnson]

my GP wont let me have Lemsips,which i love taste of,as he says it raises your blood pressure,So its paracetamol for me if i get a bad cold

 

[Copepod]

So, use soluble paracetamol in warm water with lemon juice...