How Long Should A Prescription Last?

[GetOverIt]

I am recovering from a broken hip, and am in a lot of pain. I've been taking 6/8 cocodamol a day.

My GP recently prescribed 60 cocodamol, which will last me a maximum of 10 days. This seems a little mean, and means I will have to see him again very soon.

My prescription for Lisinopril for high blood pressure lasts two months at a time.

Is there any legislation/guidelines to say how long a prescription should last?

[Kathyan]

Our doctor used to supply two months on one prescription, but it's just changed to one month. I don't think there are any rules on what it should be.

[GetOverIt]

Two months seems reasonable. Having to fill a prescription every two weeks could place a real financial burden on some people. I have to see him again soon anyway to extend my sicknote.

I think he'll probably up the prescription if it means I don't keep making appointments and annoying him!

[EvianBaby]

It probably has something to do with the fact it's a strong (ish) pain killer.

Have you asked him for a larger prescription?

[GetOverIt]

I will ask next time for a larger prescription, my consultant tells me I will be off work for 3-6 months.

I'm just realising what a big issue this could be. The press makes a big fuss about prescription charges going up 20p. When at a stroke, the decision a GP makes about the size of a prescription could instantly DOUBLE the potential cost.

[EvianBaby]

The thing is, if it's something like a simvastatin (sp) then you're likely to be on that for life so it makes sense to issue large prescriptions.

But for pain relief on an injury, they won't want to give you hoards of strong pain killers which 'can' become addictive and 'can' lead to accidental overdose. Plus there's always a chance that in a few weeks you'll be able to manage the pain with something less strong.

[GetOverIt]

I see your point EvianBaby, but the fact is, you can buy as many 500mg Paracetamol over the counter as you want for pennies.

[hc4361]

Is your prescription for 30/500?

[EvianBaby]

You can. In the same way you could go to several chemists in one day and buy the largest amount of cocodamol they are allowed to sell you from each one, if you really wanted to.

But that (I believe) is to try and stop intentional overdose.

Anywho, I'm sort of assuming a fair bit here. Someone else will probably be able to give you an more comprehensive answer.

[bednobs]

evian has it right - you are "recovering", therefore things should be getting better, In 10 days time, your need for a prescription may well have changed - you will either need to take less a day, or less strong painkillers (for example perhaps just paracetamol). Your doctor can monitor you closely if you have to see her again in 10 days
in the case of an injury which is temporary, it makes sense to prescribe a little amount

[bednobs]

also you say "The press makes a big fuss about prescription charges going up 20p. When at a stroke, the decision a GP makes about the size of a prescription could instantly DOUBLE the potential cost"
but have you looked at it that it's lowering the cost to the NHS?