test strips

[steve1961]

hi all
is buying test strip on ebay
a good idea

 

[Lauras87]

I'd be very careful, which ones are they?

 

[LeeLee]

Has your GP refused to prescribe them?

 

[Northerner]

hi all
is buying test strip on ebay
a good idea

Some of our members do buy from ebay. I believe that they are usually foreign surplus or approaching their use-by date and therefore wouldn't normally be issued by a pharmacy. However, you may find that you can get them from a more conventional source just as cheaply. The SD Codefree Meter, available from amazon has test strips that are around ?7 for 50. Alternatively, you can get a free meter from Abbott at http://www.abbottdiabetescare.co.uk/free-meter-signup and I beleive you can buy strips direct from them at around ?13 for 50.

You should really be getting some strips on prescription though. Have a read of the following, it may help you to persuade your GP that it would help you learn about your diabetes and your diet in order to manage things well:

http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Documents/How we help other/Test strips 2011.pdf

 

[steve1961]

I'd be very careful, which ones are they?

its an accu-chek

 

[steve1961]

Has your GP refused to prescribe them?

am waiting for my first appointment next week

 

[Steff]

Like anything on eBay it's a risk, especially be vigilant with medical supplies, do they gave good feedback etc

 

[Lauras87]

its an accu-chek

Ahhhh, have a look on amazon (I'd trust them over eBay)
I know boots sell them for nearly ?30 for a box of 50.

How are you treating your diabetes? Are you diet or medication or insulin?

 

[steve1961]

Some of our members do buy from ebay. I believe that they are usually foreign surplus or approaching their use-by date and therefore wouldn't normally be issued by a pharmacy. However, you may find that you can get them from a more conventional source just as cheaply. The SD Codefree Meter, available from amazon has test strips that are around ?7 for 50. Alternatively, you can get a free meter from Abbott at http://www.abbottdiabetescare.co.uk/free-meter-signup and I beleive you can buy strips direct from them at around ?13 for 50.

You should really be getting some strips on prescription though. Have a read of the following, it may help you to persuade your GP that it would help you learn about your diabetes and your diet in order to manage things well:

http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Documents/How we help other/Test strips 2011.pdf

thanks will find out more next week am waiting for my first appointment

 

[PattiEvans]

Accuchek have possibly the most expensive strips that you can't buy direct from the manufacturer. Lots of other meter manufacturers will supply strips direct without VAT and even without P&P.

 

[AlisonM]

I was refused strips until I was rediagnosed so I bought them from eBay. I made sure it was a UK supplier and made my bids at the last possible moment. It worked out well and I got a good deal until I discovered I could get strips direct from Abbots even more cheaply (I use their Freestyle meters, both of which they gave me free).

I'd wait to see what your doctor says before you decide what to do. If you explain you want them so you can adjust your diet properly based on what happens when you eat particular foods, he/she may let you have some.

 

[Newtothis]

I buy my strips from Ebay and have never had a problem; all UK sellers and the sell-by dates normally late 2013. Just have a look at buyer feedback but much cheaper than a chemist. Amanda x 🙂