Can you get a one year prescription for your Cholesterol Lowering tablets.

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Tintagel

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I was surprised to be told by the receptionist in my doctor's office that I could only get a prescription for 6 months duration for my cholesterol lowering tablets.

My wife is on the same medication and she can get a one year prescription.

We both have GP cards.

Anybody else having this problem?
 
My GP issued me with a 12 month prescription last time (late last year) for the statins that I take. My pharmacy's (Chemist Warehouse) policy is to dispense a maximum of 3 months at a time.

Might it be a case of them wanting to review your progress and prescription after 6 months so they don't want to prescribe it longer term yet?
 
I used to get 6 month ones but on last visit doc said she was giving me a 9 month prescription, dunno! I hadn't asked for it but glad to have it, saves hassle, I get 3 months from Chemist Warehouse at a time.
 
I'd say there's a note in the good guide to being a doctor that the test should be done every six months and prescription issued then to allow for any possible changes in dosage. Client electing to extend it probably covers them.

TBH, I welcome the 6 monthly blood test and usually get other tests (like thyroid function etc) done with same sample. Even if you're feeling a bit off it might show up in the printout and they flag it for you. Nothing wrong with small wins as you age.
 
I've never had 6 monthly blood tests for cholesterol monitoring once I was settled on the combination of statins that got mine under control.
 
The only thing I know for sure about prescriptions is that confusion reigns - 3-months max here, 6-months max there. The only other thing I know for sure is that with certain high-tech meds its one-at-a-time consultant prescriptions and I've never heard of 12-month prescriptions.
 
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How long is my prescription valid for?​

If your prescription was issued before 1 March 2024, it is only valid for a maximum of 6 months.

Since 1 March 2024, you may get a prescription that is valid for up to 12 months from your doctor or other prescriber.

Since 1 September 2024, you may ask your pharmacist to extend your 6-month prescription if you got it on 1 March 2024 or after. Extensions will not be automatically granted.

Pharmacist extension of prescriptions​

If your prescription was issued before 1 March 2024, the maximum legal validity of your prescription is 6 months. Pharmacists may extend prescriptions for up to 3 months if they think it safe and appropriate

If your 6-month prescription is dated 1 March 2024 or later, a pharmacist may extend this prescription to 12 months in total.

This means that since 1 September 2024, if you have a 6-month prescription you can request an extension from your pharmacist if it is dated 1 March 2024 or later.

So, when your 6-month prescription is due to end you can ask your pharmacist to extend it. This means that you may not need to visit your doctor for a repeat prescription.

Extensions will not be automatically granted. Your pharmacist will use their clinical judgment to decide if it is safe to extend your prescription.

Certain medications will not be eligible for prescription extension.

Prescriptions written after 1 March 2024 for other time periods cannot be extended by a pharmacist. For example, a 1-week prescription.
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Last time I asked Chemist Warehouse to extend my previous long term statin prescription they declined and told me that I'd have to get my GP to renew it.
 
Would it have anything to do with the fact you need more regular doctor appointments and more regular repeat prescriptions, both of which generate more income ?
 
I don't know about others, but in my case, I get the cholesterol test done by the nurse in the GP practice every 12 months, it costs €30. I don’t see the doctor but she reviews the results and if all is ok, sends a 6 month prescription to my chemist.

Six months later I contact the GP practice online and ask for another 6 month prescription. I don't see the nurse or doctor or have a cholesterol test this time and another 6 month prescription is sent to my chemist.

There is supposed to be a €20 repeat prescription fee, but as I don’t actually see or talk to anyone, I have never been charged it. So the practice is not getting any additional appointments or repeat prescription fees.

It doesn't bother me having to contact them after 6 months, I’m just surprised that they don't just give me a 12 month prescription the first time.
 
ClubMan said:
Might it be a case of them wanting to review your progress and prescription after 6 months so they don't want to prescribe it longer term yet?
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I visit my doctor once a year to get my bloods done. The visit before last he said to me that I only need to have my bloods done every two years. I am 74 years of age....he suggested that I shouldn't be wasting their time having them done more often.

I am on 10 mg statins, he wanted me on 20 mg statins but I had issues with one brand of statins when I was first put on them about 6 years ago so I asked for a lower dosage, just in case.

I expressed concern that he only wanted me to have my bloods done every two years due to my age so he immediately changed his mind and he now says to me "see you next year" as I am leaving.

Maybe he is keeping me on a 6 month prescription because I am on 10 mg statins and not 20 mg statins.....but at the same time he wanted me to visit every two years to have my bloods taken, so why not give me a one year prescription if that is the case?
 
ClubMan said:
Why not pose that question to your doctor? Surely that's the simplest way to find out why they can't/won't give you a 12 month prescription?
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Already requested a 12 month prescription but as per usual I never get a return call to confirm that he has done this or anything. It is easier for me to ask my pharmacy if they got the renewal of my prescription and term.

My doctor appears to have a very busy practice, tells me this, so I don't bother him very often as a result.
 
Tintagel said:
My doctor appears to have a very busy practice, tells me this, so I don't bother him very often as a result
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The Doctor appears to me to be a very good Doctor,
ClubMan said:
It would take 30 seconds during a consultation to ask the GP the question.
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I agree You have only your self to look out for A doctor may have 600 more people who they look after the only time they are really focused on you is during the consultation and have all of the Information in front of them,
 
Until 2024, the law only allowed prescriptions of up to 6 months. It was extended to 12 months by Stephen Donnelly.

Not all GP practices will have updated their policies yet and some may have chosen to stick with 6 months for a variety of reasons.

Each patient has different needs and expectations, so best to ask your own GP. They usually want to facilitate patient preferences.
 
ClubMan said:
It would take 30 seconds during a consultation to ask the GP the question.
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Absolutely. Well done Clubman, I never thought of that.

As I only see him once a year or maybe longer I will put your suggestion to him.......next time.
 
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