Prescription medicines - what is happening?

[Ann]

I went to collect my usual repeat prescription from Boots Pharmacy yesterday and two people in front of me were told they had run out of their particular tablets and had only given them enough to tide them over until more supplies came in. I also was told they were 13 tablets short on mine and was told to come in the next day for the rest. Then he said - don't worry these tablets don't look like your usual ones ...... but they are! I've just looked at them and there is foreign writing all over the box and on the foil packaging inside which looks and sounds nothing like my proper medication. Boots have stuck their usual label on the front of the box with the correct brand named - but it set me thinking - some elderly people who may be confused anyway could easily get mixed up as they do everything by habit and regularity. Why are pharmacies buying in from abroad - is it cheaper to do this? I think it could be quite a dangerous thing to do.

[Sqad]

This is something new to me chemists running out of tablets...what is going on.

NHS has always bought some drugs from abroad.

[The-HouseHusband]

Just like everyone else the NHS and associated partners have to cost cut. Most drugs have a shelf life so it is common practice to hold minimal stocks to try and prevent wastage. They also have to shop around for the best deal they can get just as you or I would when buying items when the purse strings are getting ever tighter.

The drugs will be exactly the same as you normally have in terms of chemical composition. If you are taking them on repeat and the pharmacist says they are a different make but the same as your regular pills I would trust him.

Another reason for pharmacist's to carry lower stocks of drug's is the problem of break ins. Many of the tablets can fetch a high price on the black market and the rest can be passed of as something special in a nightclub making a quick buck for the dealer and causing more money to be spent treating the victims of drink's spiked with all manner of drugs.

[Sqad]

HH...I agree, but as the OP said "it is confusing for the elderly"

[The-HouseHusband]

Sqad, I can understand it being confusing to the elderly but from my own experience the better pharmacies will go through everything in detail with the patient and ensure they know what is what before they leave.

A lot of our elderly population are more switched on than people thing they are, you cant just say that because they old they cant cope anymore. It would be the younger generation that I would worry about more!!

[nannybooby]

Take great care it sounds to me as if you have been given a parralell (sorry about spelling) import.This happened to me and it made me ill. If your prescription only states the drug ie omperazole they il give you any old tablet but if it states the manufacturer's name ie Losec then thats what you get. I agree its a disgrace they are tampering with your health

[Sqad]

HH...I agree.......however one must never forget the effect of psychology of drug taking, to many a change in drug name is tantamount to a change in the drug, people not bothering about generic or trade........they just want their USUAL tablets.

[Ann]

Househusband - there is no real need for a lecture on cost-cutting thanks - nobody knows about that more than me! I was made redundant through lack of funding and cutting costs! You sound a little uptight about it - are you a pharmacist? I was merely making a comment that the elderly MAY get a bit confused - thankfully I'm not!
Nannybooby - I agree, you can get a generic (cheaper version)of your usual brand but they are usually made the same - The one I take is Colofac (for IBS) and I know the generic is Mebeverine Hydrochloride. Sometimes they do give me the cheaper one called just Mebeverine - its no different to Colofac except it doesn't have the sugar coating. But in this case the actual Brand name is Duspatalin comprimidos recubiertos - nothing recognisable in that! I googled it and its apparently the Spanish version - so off now to pop the tablets - O- LAY HO- SAY!!!

[The-HouseHusband]

Ann86- I apologise if my answer came across as a lecture on cost cutting, however you did ask if this was a cheaper option in your original post!

I am not a pharmacist, as my screen name implies I am yet another of the growing number of people looking after the home rather than being the main bread winner.

[The-HouseHusband]

Sqad- I can see your side of the discussion when explained as you did, however hopefully with the aid of the pharmacist and any visitors they have then they will be able to adjust to the new packaging. Hopefully this is a one off change due to finding a cheaper supplier and therefore the new package and wording will become the norm for the recipients.

[Ann]

Thanks for all your answers - maybe its just our branch of Boots not ordering in enough and getting their knicks in a twist!

[dennisb66]

Maybe the demand on some tablets has gone sky high because doctors are now changing to the cheaper brands to save money.

[seasidebird]

My pharmacist recently commented to me that they have terrible trouble getting medicines these days. they often have to "ring around" to get them.