Decision report 201200850

Summary

Miss C's medical practice were concerned about her compliance with her medication. They had, therefore, previously decided, with Miss C's agreement, to dispense her medication on a daily basis. However, Miss C requested that this be returned to weekly or monthly prescriptions, and she complained when this request was refused. The practice told us that, as they continued to have safety concerns about Miss C's compliance with her medication, they had decided that daily prescribing would remain in place. Having taken independent advice from our medical adviser, we considered this to be a reasonable decision in the circumstances.

Miss C also complained that her medication was no longer being prescribed to her in tablet form. She was receiving a liquid alternative and did not feel it was working as well for her. Although the practice had advised her that the tablet form was no longer available in this country, Miss C identified a drug company who could still supply this. However, the practice noted that this was imported and unlicensed and, therefore, did not agree to prescribe it. Our medical adviser took the view that this was reasonable and said that doctors are discouraged from prescribing unlicensed medication when licensed alternatives are available. In addition, he noted that the medication was very expensive and he did not consider that it would be prudent for the practice to prescribe overly expensive drugs that were not clinically necessary.