NHS Drug Costs

TJH · 13-02-2010, 16:19

This is all very new to me, but it seems that doctors are now becoming very aware of the price of common and not so common drugs when it comes to prescribing them. Often asking if you would except a lesser varient.

I know this common place with certain cancer drugs etc, but thats when the cost is in the £100's + per week.

Yes every little helps with saving the NHS money, but surely there should be reason and if only one drug works and where not talking hundreds of pounds here then i feel there should be no question about prescribing them.

I agree that some high priced drugs should be issued with caution but not everyday items.

Has anyone else come across this, such as trouble with accessing oxygen or certain pills/injections etc.

jaysay · 14-02-2010, 10:15

As some one who uses more than their fair share of prescribed drugs, I often get drugs in their generic form as opposed to brand name drugs, ie salbutamol as opposed to Ventolin, which does exactly the same thin but is much cheaper

MargaretR · 14-02-2010, 11:12

Several years ago I was prescribed high strength Zantak for acid reflux (caused by a hiatus hernia). It was replaced by Ranitidine (generic form) and did the same job cheaper.

Little did I realise that it was interfering with vitamin absorption from my food and led to the health problems I have now.

I stopped taking them (and all other prescribed medicine) 2 years ago - and improved my nutrition - and I do not have acid reflux now.

"There is more than one way to skin a cat".

Neil · 14-02-2010, 11:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by MargaretR

"There is more than one way to skin a cat".

There is yes but most people want the almost instant results that the prescribed medicines often give without them thinking about the side effects.

MargaretR · 14-02-2010, 11:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil

There is yes but most people want the almost instant results that the prescribed medicines often give without them thinking about the side effects.

Now that is the most sensible thing I have seen you post.
Is this new found power having good side effects?

Neil · 14-02-2010, 11:44

sshhh I am quite sensible but don't want anyone to find out

MargaretR · 14-02-2010, 11:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil

sshhh I am quite sensible but don't want anyone to find out

well you fooled me

jaysay · 14-02-2010, 15:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by MargaretR

well you fooled me

It only came to light went he was elivated to the man in Black Margaret

Gayle · 14-02-2010, 16:05

I used to work for a pharmaceutical company. I only ever take medicines if it's deemed absolutely necessary. I don't take paracetamol, or even ibuprofen, if I can help it. A doctor has to work very hard to convince me if he thinks I need to take drugs.

As for brands v generic - take the generic, they're exactly the same. Always baffles me why people pay for nurofen when it's exactly the same as generic ibuprofen. When they say on tv 'there's no stronger medicine' they're telling the truth but that's because the active ingredient is exactly the same strength as in all the other medicines/tablets that claim to do the same.