Prescription For Diabetes Insipidus

[bethawkins]

My mum has diabetes insipidus as a result of surgery after having a brain tumour removed. She is currently paying for her prescriptions of Desmopressin but I was wondering if she could receive it free as it’s a form of diabetes? She’s been told this is going to be a life long condition, and for them, every little helps with regards to money. I might be completely naive about this, so any advise or info is great. Thank you.

 

[Bluetit1802]

Hi,

She needs to ask at the GP surgery for an exemption certificate for prescriptions. I have no idea about diabetes insipidus, but certainly anyone on a diabetes drug is entitled to free prescriptions providing they have this certificate. If she is 60 or over, or on certain benefits, she will get them free anyway.

 

[Deleted Account]

Take a look at this: https://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcosts/Pages/Prescriptioncosts.aspx
It lists the conditions for which you are entitled to a medical exemption certificate.
If your Mum is entitled, her GP surgery should provide her with a form as @Bluetit1802 mentioned.

 

[JohnEGreen]

People with certain medical conditions can get free NHS prescriptions if:

they have one of the conditions listed below, and
they hold a valid medical exemption certificate
Medical exemption certificates are issued on application to people who have:

a permanent fistula (for example, a caecostomy, colostomy, laryngostomy or ileostomy) requiring continuous surgical dressing or requiring an appliance
a form of hypoadrenalism (for example, Addison's disease) for which specific substitution therapy is essential
diabetes insipidus or other forms of hypopituitarism
diabetes mellitus, except where treatment is by diet alone
hypoparathyroidism
myasthenia gravis
myxoedema (hypothyroidism requiring thyroid hormone replacement)
epilepsy requiring continuous anticonvulsive therapy
a continuing physical disability that means the person can't go out without the help of another person – temporary disabilities don't count, even if they last for several months
They are also issued for people undergoing treatment for cancer:

including the effects of cancer, or
the effects of current or previous cancer treatment