How to obtain prescription drugs?

[Guest]

We are planning to sell up & head off in 18 months time, but need to resolve one "minor inconvenience" - my husband needs to take prescription antibiotics & anti-virals every day. How do cruisers obtain these once their supply from home has run out? Are NHS docs allowed to prescribe 12 months+ of pills?

Many thanks for your help.

Ruth

 

[poter]

The first thing is where are you going?
If Europe then not a great problem you can get a form from your GP which is endorsed by the local health mob thingy. which means you can pick up your drugs at any GP or in some cases the pharmacy all for a small charge.
If its the States then you should get a form again from your GP and it used to be that you get it endorsed from the US embassy in london.
Rest of the world ?????

As far as your GP giving you 12 months supply, most GP's will if you explain the circumstances BUT your antibiotics will have to be refrgerated and the shelf life will also be limited.

Hope this helps.


poter.

 

[Guest]

Poter
Are you referring to Form E112 as the form your GP signs or is it some other form?Who is 'your local health mob thingy'?

I hope to be going to the Med next year and am currently being prescribed a range of drugs following a heart attack a year ago.I am sorry to appear obtuse but canyou be more precise?

 

[alant]

Ring the MCA Tel: 023 8032 9249 & ask them to send you Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1726 (M+F).
This deals with Medical Stores - Regulations 1995 SI No 1802 & 1996 SI No 2821.
They are very helpful.

 

[Guest]

Just some thoughts - Have you talked to your cardiologist, they might want to think about alternative medication to reflect your change in lifestyle and/or might be able to arrange some advanced life saving training/medications as you may not be able to get an ambulance if you have a problem at sea. If you now the countries you are visiting have you thought about checking with their embassays to find details of prescription rules?

Roly, Voya Con Dios, Glasson, Lancaster http://www.voya.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk//MW1/Intropage.htm

 

[poter]

apolgies.
Ok yes you do require a Form I am sure its E111 obtainable from and stamped by post office ( sorry not the local health authority ) Also a note from your GP if the treatment is complicated. Aparently the NHS will not allow GP's to give you more than 2 months prescription.
also keep the repeat prescription slip. to allow you to pick up the drugs.
keep the repeat prescription slip on you as well, as it is illegal in some countries ( don't think any in eec ) to have prescription drugs without a prescription. It was in some middle east countries.

Take photocopies of the form E111 as well in case your partner/wife requires treatment.

I also understand that the NHS does not allow you to stay with your own GP if you are out of the country for more than 6 months ( so keep it under your hat )

I followed the above when out of the country but I was only on antibiotics and also had to carry morphine in case of Jellyfish stings.

Trust the above is now clear.

Good luck, and fair winds


poter.

 

[poter]

Just one further point I am sure you should also be able to obtain info from
http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/

I must admit I have not used the enquiry service but the form looks quite comprehensive.


poter

 

[AndrewB]

At your GP\'s discretion.

Mine was sympathetic and supplied us with 12 months worth of prescription medication when we went cruising, plus a range of emergency drugs (antibiotics etc) for self-medication.

Make sure your documentation is absolutely clear if carrying large quantities of prescription drugs aboard. I photocopied the prescriptions.

In many third-world countries, there is a black market in every sort of pill. Equally though, it is often possible to buy drugs over the counter that would require a prescription in the UK. I carried a reference guide to help us specify alternatives.

Don't forget that many drugs have a strictly limited shelf life.

 

[peterk]

hi keltman,
I had an attack at sea(singlehanding), I'm still at it -.
The Med I don't know about.
BUT: Most countries, even my straightlaced Austria,
will sell you necessary heart medicine
without prescription over the counter - best to have the original
container with you for reference.

Everyone: In most of Latin America you can buy all antibiotics over the
counter, as well as most other drugs - morphine may be different.

poter - DO NOT take morphine after Portuguese man o'war stings !
You might stop breathing(just about happened to me with Demerol)

peter www.juprowa.com/kittel

 

[poter]

Re Jelly fish

Peter
Thanks for the info. I don't carry anything now as I do not do any SCUBA and would hope to avoid the nasties at the bar......

anyway point noted ta.


poter