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Pharmacy refusal to sell thrush medication

Neil12240 said:
there has always been a limitation on selling it for vaginal thrush in the elderly(classed as over 60) as it could be a sign of undiagnosed diabetes or poorly controlled diabetes.
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So why can't a known diabetic over 60 get it? Having diabetes isn't a contraindication for using Canesten.
And why only the over 60? There are lots of people under 60 with uncontrolled on undiagnosed diabetes.
 
I too was refused caneston by pharmacy because of my age. Luckily I got in quickly to see a nurse at GP surgery and she said I couldn't have it because of the meds I was on. I was prescribed something different which worked. Thought of ordering it on amazon but glad I didn't.
 
My local Boots refused to sell me athlete's foot powder because I am diabetic. The reason they gave was that diabetes can cause foot infections. I said I knew that, that's why I didn't want to wait a month to see my GP.
I've learnt not to say that I have diabetes. Otherwise they refuse me to by products. For the first time in my life I developed a toe nail fungal infection. I bought the product I wanted on the internet instead.
 
With regards to ‘under breasts’ try Vagisil products. After washing the area pat dry and then apply the talc. This has always worked for me since living in USA years ago and Vagisil was only available in US and not UK.
It is available in most Chemist but I get mine delivered from Amazon and make sure I never run out!
 
Hi. I actually work at Boots and have been researching people questioning this, as receive a lot of abuse for this. Firstly, Canestan is only licensed to sell to above 16 year olds and under 60s. It literally says it on the box. If we were to sell it to you, we would break regulations. Also, thrush is rare in ladies after menopause so this is exactly why we direct people to their GPs as it could indicate something else. If you are diabetic- even more so. It needs to be properly looked at and GPs are licensed professionals to prescribe thrush medication where we in community pharmacies are not. So you could lie next time you go buy it, but you will also be doing yourself an injustice. Thrush medicines (and many others) are sold BEHIND the counter and not on the shelf in the general store for the reason that it needs to be regulated. It is for safety. I’m glad they refused to sell it as it means they are following regulations, procedures and law.
 
Antje77 said:
So why can't a known diabetic over 60 get it? Having diabetes isn't a contraindication for using Canesten.
And why only the over 60? There are lots of people under 60 with uncontrolled on undiagnosed diabetes.
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It states it on the box. Very clearly.
 
I had the same problem from one chemist so went to another and they sold me it happily!!
 
When I took Forxiga, the side effect was thrush and the GP said if you get it then just ring pharmacy and we’ll arrange for you to get the medication. But late Friday afternoon no hope in hell of getting the medication asap. So went to the pharmacy linked to the GP Practice and they asked my age. I told the truth and they said they couldn’t give it me as I was over 60 and thrush could be caused by other things! I explained why I had it but he still said I had to contact GP. So I went to Tesco pharmacy and they didn’t ask so I must have looked younger that evening
 
My advice would be to get acquainted with an independent prescribing pharmacist, if there's one within striking distance.

That way you get a personalised service from somebody who knows you; especially beneficial if the condition develops out of hours over a weekend or bank holiday.
 
There's only one duty chemist open here for 2 hours Saturday aft/Sunday and bank holidays, so no chance of a personalised service.
 
ajbod said:
I think the assumption is once we hit 60 we're all going gaga anyway, and can't think for ourselves.
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Not 60 yet, but gaga already and proud lol I have hairdressing clients in the 80s that are more alert than me!
 
You are lucky the Phamacist relented. I’m on Forixiga for my Diabetes and often get thrush but keep it at bay by using a little cannesten every week.
I have been refused because I am Diabetic even though One the side effects of Forixiga is Thrush.
I have been refused in my small local pharmacy after a very embarrassing conversation in public in the small shop. I have also been refused in Tesco Express Manvers/Rotherham. Who previously took Cannesten off sale at the general tills so that you had to use the in store pharmacy. This time I was successful and common sense prevailed. At the same shop different pharmacist, refused.
I will now have Lie, or get my wife to get me some on my behalf.
It’s madness that you have go through this process and feel like you are asking for methodone or something. To be left in discomfort untreated when getting to speak to a doctor or getting an appointment is neigh on impossible or months away is just crazy.
 
Hi Rachel. I've had a similar problem. I am 73 and type 2. I got thrush after a course of antibiotics which also sent my liver into chaos. The thrush arrived after blood tests showed that it was back to normal. A visit to the doctor, a swap and yes heavy candida growth. 8 days later and it hadn't resolved. The doctor said try another tablet so went to Boots to buy one. Like you. It was ' No you're over 60. I said I'd already been given one by the doctor and was told to buy another one but she was adamant. When another doctor prescribed one, I read the leaflet carefully and it's because older people are more likely to have liver problems so no sale without prescription. I wouldn't go have thought that the cream would be a problem. Sounds like someone not really understanding.

Unfortunately mine still hasn't resolved so now on a 13 week course of Fluconazole for resistant thrush. Hey ho.
As I also have lichen sclerosis caneston unfortunately burned so
 
Hi Rachel, Clotrimazole is not licensed for sale to under 16’s or over 60’s due to there often being alternative reasons for the symptoms being experienced.
Whilst I understand you know exactly what is going on in your personal situation the pharmacies can’t possibly know this and quite rightly would want you to seek your GPs advice.
They would literally be breaking the law to knowingly sell it to you if they knew you were over 60 so please be patient with them.
 
Worth knowing that Tesco sells it on the shelf, no need to go to a pharmacy.
 
I have had same problem trying to purchase canestan cream from Boots, asked my age told couldn’t sell it to me tried explaining my Dermatologist had advised me to get some for thighs rubbing not thrush, still wouldn’t sell it. Luckily I have purchased canestan cream from eBay and Amazon. Asked by seller why and who recommended canestan when I explained why there has been no problems, I placed order yesterday for canestan and other things expected to arrive two days from now. It actually arrived this morning from Amazon, my problem apart from T2 means my prescription is FOUR PAGES including BACLOFEN tablets for painful spasms but having surgery in July for a BACLOFEN intrathecal pump inserted so hopefully will have a lower dose as it goes directly into spine as I am on highest dose of tablet, also have psoriasis so have strong injections that lower my immunity hence being advised to use canestan cream when thighs rub and the cream helps calm it down.
 
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