Epileptics

[nextqueen]

Why do epileptics get free prescriptions for everything and not just for their epilepsy drugs?

[albaqwerty]

maybe they need the other medicines to stabilise their epilepsy meds?

[bednobs]

because it's one of the illnesses that the has decided will get free prescriptions

[nextqueen]

but why?

[Sqad]

nextqueen....LOL......I would also like to know.

I think it is like the Winter Fuel Allowance........all over 65's get it....;-)

[honeydip]

I am not too sure to be honest but I guess its because if epeileptics had other symptoms while fitting it could be dangerous. I wish I had free prescriptions. How exactly is epilepsy diagnosed? Exactly what symptoms do you have apart from fits?

[boxtops]

Because if you have a long term condition which falls into an eligible category, and epilepsy is one of them, you get prescription exemption charges on everything you need.

[friedgreentomato]

Does it have a big impact on your life that someone who is ill gets free scripts.

[Sqad]

boxy....yes .....yes......but why?

[cazzz1975]

I certainly wouldnt "wish" for a long term medical condition in order to have free prescriptions

[nextqueen]

I am asking as my husband is epileptic since 2004? Whenever I am ill I have to pay the full whack for a prescription as we don't get any benefits, I work on and off doing agency work. Whenever he has to pick up a prescription, maybe for pain relief for his back, he never has to pay, I just don't get it. He hasn't ever had a fit since taking the medication and there are no other symptoms that I have ever seen other than he's become a grumpy git as he's got older, lol!

[cazzz1975]

some medication is needed life long, this medication could be essential to life itself, if it was not available free, the patient could put their life at risk because they cannot afford to buy their medication in hard times.

[nextqueen]

Cazzz, I am talking about all medicine that is free on prescription, I understand that epilepsy drugs are life long.

[cazzz1975]

maybe if he doesnt have his medication you may see more than just a grumpy git..

[Sqad]

cazz......you have hypothyroidism for which you get thyroid tablets ...free.

Quite right too.

But.....if you developed hypertension or cystitis or pre menstrual tension, why should you get these free because you have thyroid problems?

[nextqueen]

maybe lol!

[gness]

Can only answer for OH. His kidney failure caused other conditions/problems. His prescriptions were free. When he got shingles was it because he had no immune system....free..... or would he had had shingles anyway? In which case he would have paid. Probably easier to make all prescriptions free rather than trying to figure out which are long term condition related.

[McMouse]

Just another of the mysteries of the NHS. Although over 65 and getting free prescriptions, my GP will not prescribe Viagra because he claims ability to achieve an erection is a "lifestyle choice". When I point out that my inability is caused by the shed-load of pills he prescribes for other things he changes the subject.

[boxtops]

I don't understand your concern about this. Are you just as bothered that older people all get free prescriptions for everything, even though some of us are still working full-time?

[Sqad]

boxy....just answering the OP.....read it again.

[boxtops]

Sqad, my reply was to OP, not to you.....