I have found that before I speak to the GP, it really helps to know the exact quantities needed for 3 or 6 months and to tell them. So, I need 3 pumps of gel per day, which means a gel pump of 64 pumps lasts me 21 days. For 6 months supply I need 8 pump packs or 640g.
When I recently had my 3 month review I had calculated this ahead of the conversation. My first prescription had been for 3 pump packs and 3 boxes iof Utrogestan (90 tablets). When I had the review I asked for a 6 month supply, who’s had wa agreed becaue I was doing well on oestrogel and Utrogestan. However, the Dr didn’t know what a 6 month supply required and without me saying would have given me less oestrogel and I would have had an unbalanced prescription. Because I was able to give specific info,and I confirmed the details with the GP I was able to get a supply of 8 pump packs of oestrogel and 6 boxes of Utrogestan for 2 prescription charges.
Additionally, because of the shortages I had spoken to the pharmacy beforehandto check they had oestrogel in stock. If they hadn’t I would have requested Sandrena instead in my GP appointment. As it was, I have a generic estraodiol prescription which I think fries a bit mire flexibility to the oharmamcist in the event of shortages.
So, my tip,mis do some calculations ahead of seeing the GP so you can ask for specific quantities. Before you leave the meeting, check what the prescription says or ask them to tell you, if it will be sent electronically. If you know what you need, you’ll know if what they are prescribing is correct.
And also, if your GP won’t prescribe more than a month at a time as some find, writing to the GP and practice manager to point out the cost to you of having 6 monthly prescriptions vs 1 prescription that lasts 6 months can help. This is the difference between £18.70 and £18.60x6 for exactly the same quantity if medication to be used across the same period. £18.70 is cheaper than getting a prescription pre payment.