Test strips and prescriptions

[Jordan Brandon]

I've been hearing a lot about test strips and not being able to get them on prescription, can anyone enlighten me I was told that I would get them on prescription for the rest of my life, is this not true?


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[donnellysdogs]

If you're type 1 you should have test strips... Whether you can get enough is another matter..

That's the current situ... But we all know how policys change!!

 

[mo1905]

The rest of your life is a looooooong time ! hope you do !

 

[donnellysdogs]

So agree Mo1905!! I had strips now for an eternity, but hopefully for next generations to come they'll be technological improvements at lower prices for nhs and so many people that end up buying extras on line.

 

[Jordan Brandon]

I get a hundred a month and the GP is telling me in using to many but I use 50 in at least 10 days, I don't understand what the issue is my DN told me that they aren't a large amount of money yet they still get picky


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[donnellysdogs]

Jordan

A 100 a month is nothing... To keep good control I use at least 8 a day..... Plus the fact I drive at least 2-4 times a day. I could not survive as a fellow type 1 on just 100 a month. I currently have 300.

 

[Bisto44]

Hi all, I'm currently being asked to test at least 7 times a day ( before & after each leal and before bed - as a minimum. So that's at least 50 a week, luckily my surgery doesn't question and prescribe me 300 at a time ! I am imagine it's probably another post code lottery ?


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[martwolves]

I guess it's all down to the interpretation and level of understanding your GP has of diabetes. My GP has a son my age who is also typw 1, so he is very understanding and is aware of the importance of testing your blood glucose levels. Others simply see it as a 'drain' ont their budget and reources I'm afraid. Tell you what though. I don't know what I'd do without my prescription exemption card!!! Have a word with him/her again or get you diabetic team to contact them to reiterate the vital role glucose testing plays in calculating the insulatin dosages that you have to take. It's worth a try, no promises here, but as the old saying goes, if you don't ask you don't get.
Good luck

Mart

 

[hale710]

My prescription is for 100, but I can say I want 2x or 3x that if I want. Like many I drive upwards of 3 times a day, it is a legal requirement for me to test before this therefore they are obligated to provide me with the means to do so.

Basically I can have all the strips I like, whenever I like.

 

[noblehead]

I've been hearing a lot about test strips and not being able to get them on prescription, can anyone enlighten me I was told that I would get them on prescription for the rest of my life, is this not true?


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Type 2's do find it hard to get test strips on prescription which is a disgrace IMHO, however as a type 1 you should not be restricted to test strips although there's been quite a few of us who have had to argue with their gp's about the quantity they will prescribe, should you come across this then I suggest you ask your diabetes consultant to intervene and write to your gp.

 

[Jordan Brandon]

I think that might be a good idea when I went to collect my first prescription he gave me a pack of 50 test strips and didn't prescribe any gluco gel because and I quote "sugar cubes work equally as well"


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[noblehead]

I think that might be a good idea when I went to collect my first prescription he gave me a pack of 50 test strips and didn't prescribe any gluco gel because and I quote "sugar cubes work equally as well"


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You need to get him to prescribe the gluco gel as well if this is going to be your method of treating a hypo, Gluco Tabs, Jelly Babies or Lucozade work just as well, also you need him to prescribe a Glucogon Kit which you must keep in the fridge for emergencies where you unable to treat a hypo yourself, here is some info about the Glucogon Kit:

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-medi ... n-kit.html


As for the 50 strips, if you test 6-8 times a day this isn't going to be anywhere near enough and will only last you a week tops, ask him to prescribe at least 200 to see you over the period of a month.