Cost saving strategies

[itslindy]

Hello all

I've been taking the 'slow release' version of Metformin for the last two years (at least). The ordinary stuff gave me terrible stomach cramps.

I order my repeat prescriptions online via my surgery. The last lot I picked up were for the ordinary Metformin (i.e. not slow release). On querying this up with my surgery, I have been told that I have been switched from slow release to the ordinary form purely for money saving reasons.

How can this happen without consultation? As far as I was concerned, I had already given my GP enough reasons to switch me to SR. Two days into taking the non-slow release version, the old symptoms seem to have returned ... headaches, thirst, stomach cramps ... and now I have to jump through hoops to get my prescription changed back to what it's been for the last two years.

Anyone else out there suffering from the cutbacks?

Lynne

 

[anniep]

That's appalling to make a change of type of medicationwithout discussion.

 

[Hobs]

Get your MP involved and your GP wont be able to do enough to please you .. and I write from recent experience!

 

[noblehead]

Get your MP involved and your GP wont be able to do enough to please you .. and I write from recent experience!

Good advice from Hobs, the very fact that they couldn't be bothered to tell you face to face is disgraceful!

Nigel

 

[hanadr]

Changing your medication without telling you is in breach of your human rights.
this is from The DUK leaflet on your rights

You have the right:

* to be given information about your treatment in advance, including any risks or benefits, alternative treatments and the risks if you do nothing
* to accept or refuse treatment offered to you, and not to be given any physical examination or treatment unless you have given valid consent
Hana

 

[mrsmousemat]

I had a lecture on 'cost saving' from the dispenser when I pointed out that the doctor had written a prescription for ordinary Metformin instead of SR.

I got the prescription changed... eventually, after running out of tablets, then had the same lecture on why we must 'cost save' from the chemist.

I thanked him for the information and said that I was grateful for his words of wisdom, as the news of the country being a tad short of money had completely passed me by.

I also changed chemists.

 

[hanadr]

I would have been tempted to point out that if I become ill from their changes, I'll cost them more than the few pennies they saved
Hana

 

[noblehead]

I had a lecture on 'cost saving' from the dispenser when I pointed out that the doctor had written a prescription for ordinary Metformin instead of SR.

I got the prescription changed... eventually, after running out of tablets, then had the same lecture on why we must 'cost save' from the chemist.

I thanked him for the information and said that I was grateful for his words of wisdom, as the news of the country being a tad short of money had completely passed me by.

I also changed chemists.

I can't really see why a pharmacist would be concerned or interested in the first place, his/her job is to dispense the drugs prescribed by your gp, you did right in changing chemist shops and I would have given him a lecture back on minding his own business! :x

Nigel

 

[mrsmousemat]

The dispenser, who deals with repeat prescriptions, recommended the chemist, when I joined the practice.

It was the dispenser that told me the prescription couldn't be changed.

I told the doctor I was willing to have my medication changed by a doctor - but not a dispenser. The doctor also said the dispenser had been trained up to 'reduce costs' and controlled what prescriptions doctor's could write.

I think the dispenser must have contacted the chemist, as he'd lost face. The chemist almost repeated the dispenser's: 'Don't you know that we have to reduce costs' lecture almost word for word.

All that resulted was that the dispenser's actions cost the chemist three people's prescriptions.

 

[Dippy3103]

I agree it is a disgraceful way to treat someone. Perhaps a sweeping change to all metformin prescriptions has been brought in at your surgery.
If I were in your shoes I would make an appointment to discuss my poorly tummy with my GP in the hope of getting it changed back.
Good luck

 

[mrsmousemat]

You might be interested in this document, as it explains why doctors are keen to change to Metformin from Metformin SR.


http://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/fil ... ISSION.pdf