Hi, can anyone advise me on getting Nal from an NHS doctor in Manchester?

Hey there

I have nal prescribed by my GP on the NHS. She wouldn't prescribe at first because Naltrexone is something the Drug and Alcohol team use, she therefore didn't have any experience and was unsure how to use it.

When I went to her I had already been getting in on private prescription from Dr Chick in Edinburgh. You need to see him in person though before he'll write prescriptions but he sent repeat prescriptions for at least a couple of months at my request whilst I tried to work out if I could get it on the NHS. Once I started seeing an improvement I then approached my GP, she said I'd need to be assessed by the local Drugs and Alcohol team Doctor, so I agreed and went along to see him. He said because I'd seen such good results he'd recommend my GP prescribe.

And so she did, I have to go back once a month though and had to agree to liver tests etc.

I'd say go ask him/her, if they won't or can't then ask them what they need you to do so you they can.

By the way Naltrexone private prescription costs approximately £25-30 depending on the prices that week or month. For me it was worth more than numerous binges where I'd spend £20-30 each time, and then lose wages through time off!

thanks for that. I will see about doing this xxx

Hi Chocolate Mousse,

I live at the 'right' side of the Pennines in a village south of Leeds.

My local GP village GP prescribed Naltrexone after showing him this Times article: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article5484285.ece

It's possible - they can prescribe outside the guidelines, but you need a doctor with an open mind who is willing to look at the evidence before him.

Andy.

I would highly advise AGAINST getting Nal from your Dr, as it will go into your medical records. Admitting to your Dr that you have an AL issue and asking for a medication to treat it will prevent you from getting life insurance in the future and possibly health insurance.

Protect your privacy and get it online. NAL is VERY safe. Unless you have serious medical issues, there is nothing to be gained by getting this medication from your Dr.

Q

My alcohol problem is all over my GPs notes, I've struggled for many years with my problem and actively sought help. Here in the UK most people don't use or need health insurance because we have the NHS which provides a reasonable service, other people actually claim on their private health insurance for rehabs.

When I applied for travel insurance, I asked them about my alcohol problem being an issue. It's only an issue if I have a relapse and require treatment abroad. In a one week holiday for me this is hardly likely. They will cover me for everything else.

Hi Q

I think it depends on one's healthcare system. I'm in Canada and my GP prescribes Nal and have no concerns about it.

When I got my prescription, I went to a doctor and paid full boat myself. They cannot release that information, if you restrict your medical record to no third party access. They have no right to the information.

The problem is when you fill the prescription. Many pharmacies are sharing information. There is no way that information isn't leaking everywhere.

After I wised up a bit, I decided I am going to keep this very quiet and not treat myself within the system. Especially since I am managing this process. I don't need to run the risks Q is talking about.

There are a number of ways that ones medical records can be "looked at." Do a seach of this forum and you will see that many of us have had issues with our medical history finding its way into the MIB database, or other databases.

Once the information is in your medical records, it never goes away.

Don't take the chance.

Q

Hi Q,

Good advice for US Citizens that rely on health insurance, however what sits in my UK GP's hand written notes is of no concern to me.

It doesn't affect car insurance; it doesn't affect my job: my life insurance is unaffected; there are no consequences or implications at all.

The decision to go to your doctor for Nal depends entirely on the fact if your healthcare is paid by the state (UK, France Germany) or via 3rd party Insurance (USA, others?).