Blood Test

[McMouse]

Have a monthly blood test as GP is monitoring low mineral levels. Called me on Friday saying latest test showed severe magnesium depletion and he was prescribing high dose mag supplement. Local pharmacy unable to dispense as 'NHS' does not recognise mag deficiency as an issue, though pharmacist sold me over the counter supplement. NHS "free at the point of delivery" I think not.

[pixie373]

Was it more expensive than a prescription?

[ummmm]

Isn't the point of delivery the blood test and getting the results?

[pixie373]

Slightly odd that they'll test for something that "isn't an issue" and won't be treated, i suppose.

[ChillDoubt]

Might want to have a look at your diet McM:

http://www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/foods-high-in-magnesium.php

[McMouse]

When I was in hospital they had me on a drip to bring down fluid levels and also replace various essential minerals such as magnesium and potassium. This was free at point of delivery. Hospital discharge letter to GP said minerals etc should be monitored and managed.

[ummmm]

How much did the over the counter supplement cost? Considering a prescription cost is £7.50.

[woofgang]

The decision on whether or not to prescribe magnaphate rests with the local medicines management group. You could go back to your GP and get him to take action about this.

[McMouse]

Thanks Chill. Been hitting high magnesium foods for some time, but seemingly need more to help with heart rhythm.

[wolf63]

I had to pay for a 'human' inhaler for my cat's asthma. It cost me £70. I was shocked at the difference in cost.

[McMouse]

ummmm I don't pay for precriptions (age exemption) but supplement cost £8.67 for 60 tabs and I need 4 per day.

[ummmm]

Do what woof says, go back to your GP.

[slaney]

I would get in touch with your GP as the pharmacist is wrong.
In addition the supplement he has given you will likely not have enough magnesium in it if your deficiency is severe.
Has your GP any idea why your magnesium is low - I presume he is investigating it.

[slaney]

If you are on 4 tablets a day - I suppose it might be enough , but check the dose he has given you with your GP.

[mikey4444]

Can I get this straight ? Your Doctor has prescribed a high dose magnesium supplement ? Not sure what your local Chemist has to do with this. Being "prescribed" is to give a patient a "prescription". If you have this prescription what possible business is it of the Chemist to have an opinion one way of another ?

Try another Chemist. If this fails, go back to the quack and let him know what is going on !

[mikey4444]

Alternatively, move to The Peoples Republic of Wales...all our prescriptions are free !

[Mamyalynne]

There is no national consensus on the prescribing of Magnesium supplements (they are classed as a food supplement), so as stated above it is down to each area's prescribing body to lay down the ruling for that area.

McM I agree a return to GP to discuss and if you do have to purchase them then shop around safely, making sure the strength etc is as your doctor thinks you need.

[woofgang]

slaney the pharmacist isn't wrong. Each local prescribing fundholding body has a list of things it MUST prescribe, a list of things it MUSTN'T prescribe and a list of things that it can make a local decision on. Magnesium oral supplements fall into this category. Depending on the area, GP's may be able to go to the medicines management board and make a case for allowing prescription of something that falls into the third category.

[pastafreak]

Be careful with the form of magnesium you get. Some will cause diarrhea at high doses.

[slaney]

I agree woofgang that oral magnesium supplements attract a charge.
But this is replacement therapy rather than supplement (splitting hairs a bit I know), and there is only one drug mentioned in the NICE guidelines and in the BNF which is suitable - all the more reason to go back to the GP. As you say he may have to negotiate on McMouses behalf.

[Buenchico]

It would be interesting to know exactly what the doctor tried to prescribe. For example, magnesium glycerophosphate tablets (for the treatment of hypomagnesaemia) aren't licensed in the UK but doctors are allowed to prescribe them (and pharmacists to dispense them) on a 'named patient basis'.