Prescription only medications....
Discussion
Is it just me?
But, why are some medicines prescription only? It's a massive waste of time imo. It wastes the time of doctors, the patient and consumes appointments for genuine medical issues that require doctors attention.
The scenario:
I have a skin condition that took years to find a suitable cure: Lotriderm cream
But this medication is only available via a doctors prescription (I am based in the US, it used to be over the counter in the Caribbean), so the pharmacist recommends that you book an appointment with a doctor, then return with a prescription note.... It seems unnecessary to pay for an appointment, simply to tell the doctor what medication you need and then have to claim on insurance etc.
I can understand some medications being prescription only - such as anti depressants etc. but surely a skin cream is pretty harmless no?
But, why are some medicines prescription only? It's a massive waste of time imo. It wastes the time of doctors, the patient and consumes appointments for genuine medical issues that require doctors attention.
The scenario:
I have a skin condition that took years to find a suitable cure: Lotriderm cream
But this medication is only available via a doctors prescription (I am based in the US, it used to be over the counter in the Caribbean), so the pharmacist recommends that you book an appointment with a doctor, then return with a prescription note.... It seems unnecessary to pay for an appointment, simply to tell the doctor what medication you need and then have to claim on insurance etc.
I can understand some medications being prescription only - such as anti depressants etc. but surely a skin cream is pretty harmless no?
Not familiar with the cream you mention but long term use of any medications including certain ointments can cause side efects, esp a skin cream with eg steroid in it
Sometimes drug categories are re categorised but I believe this costs the company who makes the product (or holds the licence) money to do though I couldn't be sure of that.
It is usually for patient safety, if they weren't POM people could buy products thinking that is what is right for their condition without really knowing what they were using. Tbh it amazes me that codeine even at just 8mg is available without prescription knowing how addictive it can be.
ETA - Lotriderm contains betamethasone (a steroid) long term use can cause thinning of the skin. It also has clotrimazole (an antifungal) not a product to use if you don't need it and only a dr will know this.
Sometimes drug categories are re categorised but I believe this costs the company who makes the product (or holds the licence) money to do though I couldn't be sure of that.
It is usually for patient safety, if they weren't POM people could buy products thinking that is what is right for their condition without really knowing what they were using. Tbh it amazes me that codeine even at just 8mg is available without prescription knowing how addictive it can be.
ETA - Lotriderm contains betamethasone (a steroid) long term use can cause thinning of the skin. It also has clotrimazole (an antifungal) not a product to use if you don't need it and only a dr will know this.
Edited by bexVN on Wednesday 3rd September 22:57
I sort of agree and get what you're saying. However if any meds might cause any long-term problems or side-effects...or be addictive, then I guess this is why?
However as a Hayfever sufferer, I did used to get the hump that hayfever anti-histamines were only available at chemists.
I am delighted that common sense has prevailed and that these are now available pretty much everywhere, including petrol stations etc...
However as a Hayfever sufferer, I did used to get the hump that hayfever anti-histamines were only available at chemists.
I am delighted that common sense has prevailed and that these are now available pretty much everywhere, including petrol stations etc...
both Bex and Ray have covered the angles on this.
Some medication will be PoM regardless - any thing injectable for instance
Other medication is PoM becasue of misuse / diversion / addiction potential ( as Bex mentions lower strength preparations of codeine and dyhyrocodeine are available as Pahrmacy Medications ( never min 8mg / tablet 12 mg per tablet in Nurofen plus ( which doesn;t have a generic name or equivalent at present - but they contain 12mg codeine and 200 mg ibuprofen per tablet).
medications do change classification - 'up' and 'down'
NHS prescribing practice in the community for 'chronic' meds usually allows monthly or 2 monthly prescriptions and several repeats meaning 3 to 6 months between review appointments.
The US is going ot be different becasue ofthe charging schedules and the widespread use of a consumer marketing by both Health Professionals and Drug companies iver there.
Some medication will be PoM regardless - any thing injectable for instance
Other medication is PoM becasue of misuse / diversion / addiction potential ( as Bex mentions lower strength preparations of codeine and dyhyrocodeine are available as Pahrmacy Medications ( never min 8mg / tablet 12 mg per tablet in Nurofen plus ( which doesn;t have a generic name or equivalent at present - but they contain 12mg codeine and 200 mg ibuprofen per tablet).
medications do change classification - 'up' and 'down'
NHS prescribing practice in the community for 'chronic' meds usually allows monthly or 2 monthly prescriptions and several repeats meaning 3 to 6 months between review appointments.
The US is going ot be different becasue ofthe charging schedules and the widespread use of a consumer marketing by both Health Professionals and Drug companies iver there.
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