Prescriptions

[Myrtle Hogan-Lance]

How are prescriptions handled in Spain?  I notice that every time I have one filled they leave the prescription with me.  What is to prevent me from going to the next chemist I find and getting it filled again? 

[Guanche]

Is it a NHS prescription Myrtle. I think the NHS prescription data base is shared with chemists so when you go and get the medicine the chemist can read what the doctor has prescribed, when and for how long. I think three months is the maximum length for a prescription. When the chemist gives you the medicine they will enter the fact its been issued, and in the case of a repeat prescription it will automatically give the date of the next issue of the medicine. So you will not just be able to go and get more as each dispensing chemist is linked to the data base.

Hope that makes sense.

[Janet]

Computerised system ... it works out the dates of issue and expiry of the prescription, together with the amounts and presumed usage of medication prescribed, and determines whether you need any more. If it thinks you should still have medication left the system will not allow the transaction.

edit: my computer froze ... just seen P's post, which is right.

[Myrtle Hogan-Lance]

Sorry guys, clarification needed.  I am talking about a prescription given to me by a private doctor in Spain.  I notice that when I take it to the chemist they look at it, leave it on the counter, find the medicine, charge me for it, put it in a bag and leave the prescription so I pick it up and take it with me.  No one has ever gone near a computer to enter the details of it.  And the doctor kept no record, just wrote out the prescription.

[Janet]

private means you're in complete control ... I think ...

[Guanche]

Thats an interesting one Myrtle. I suppose I just can't see there being no fail safe built in, even in the private sector. Just say for instance your prescribed morphine or some other addictive and dangerous drug?

I suppose its the same for dentist prescriptions? Does the chemist cut and keep the bar code on the packaging the medicine is in Myrtle?

[Myrtle Hogan-Lance]

No, they don't.  They give me the box intact. 

For the record I am not intending anything illegal; I just got to wondering after I had a prescription filled the other day.  I can't think of any obvious fail safe so thought I would put the question out to those who have been here longer.

[Guanche]

The wife uses the same chemist for us and the MIL in Santa Cruz so she's very friendly with her. I'll get the wife to ask next time we go.

[Delderek]

In the UK, the prescription is stamped by the pharmacy, as dispensed, and then handed back. I believe they should also take a copy and file it. But if not a controlled drug they do not seem to bother about taking a copy.

[Michael]

In the UK, the prescription is stamped by the pharmacy, as dispensed, and then handed back. I believe they should also take a copy and file it. But if not a controlled drug they do not seem to bother about taking a copy.

Not in NI it isn't. They retain it.