BNF Listing for R1 and R2?

Hello Dedalus, 

I am sorry I can't help you with the reference numbers.  

I will tag and lesleyhelen in case they are able to help.  

Plus this brings your post back to the front page where other Fruit Loops will see and might be able to answer.

Stay Safe x

Hi Dedalus,

Thanks for tagging WhatHappened.   Unfortunately, I don't know the answer, so hopefully someone else will, as you say.

I hadn't found this forum until after my treatment so I went into it all blindly and no-one even mentioned R1 and R2 (BC nurse, doctors, oncologists or radiologists) to me.  I bought a gel online from having met a lady who'd had BC 10 years previously. She recommended radiance skin care.  It was pretty expensive (at getting on £25 per pot with the postage) and I got through 3 pots of it, but it seemed to work ok.  I did get burns underneath my breast where it was rubbed by the bra strap, so I wouldn't have put so much of it under my breast  for my last 5 sessions.

If you struggle to get the R1/R2, as I know some people haven't managed to even get their doctors to prescribe it, this radiance cream was actually more of a gel and I think a gel substance seemed to be a lot better than an actual cream. 

I also wanted to use deodorant and I went into Holland and Barrett and they recommended a really gentle deodorant for me (as you're advised not to use it), but I reckon they will have some gels at a fraction of the price I paid for mine.  They are really helpful and seem to know their stuff in there - and hopefully now open! If you're allowed to go out, and only if you can't get R1/R2.

Best wishes,

Thanks Lesley and WhatHappened.

My wife and I spent many hours looking at reviews and recommendations on the various creams and gels.  It all got quite confusing so we reverted to the ones that seem to get the most likes ie R1 and R2.

As per other posts on here the GP had never heard of R1 and R2 despite being provided with the PIP and full name for both.  It seems we have to provide the precise BNF reference or whatever.

Boots found it with the PIP and first said they were not sure if it could be provided under NHS prescription.  They then said their supplier was not permitted to supply them, and they were trying to find out why.

So much hassle to get a gel and lotion.  It looks like we will have to end up paying for it, like so many others on MM,

D

Hi Dedalus,

The doctor should be able to input pip but for some reason their input is not the standard pharmacy et al use,I'm sure a nurse on here will be able to direct us there.But I have been able to find the Drug Tariff description for you.Get them to input Radiation Induced Dermatitis,R1 etc will pop up.Unable to copy paste but you will find info in 

NHs Electronic Drug Tariff

Part IXA Appliances

Radiation Induced Dermatitis

R1 Etc

  Hope all is going well.

I need to clear rubbish of tablet run out of memory!

   Yvie

Managed it now drrrr

Hi Yvie

Thanks for that reference.  It was the surgery receptionist that was the intermediary.  We offered the actual Drug Tariff page number, but she would only accept the BNF reference, which at the moment we cannot find.

There seems to be some sort of a mismatch.  Boots pharmacy managed to identify R1 and R2 from the PIP but said they were unsure if there was eligibility via an NHS prescription.  They seemed incapable of consulting the Drug Tariff.  Conversely, the GP cannot find the gel via the PIP and must be taken by the hand to the appropriate BNF entry.

This is before the GP has even seen the cost, which according to others' experience also becomes a problem.  There is enough stress coping with a BC diagnosis.  Is it any wonder that some give up and pay for the gel.

D

Hi Dedalus

Has your wife's radiotherapist recommended these cream/gels? Just asking as I know, depending on where you are, some advise no creams or gels, others various different types, if her specialist hasn't okayed it there may be some issues? There has been much discussion about what is and isn't permitted on these pages!

Jo

Morning Dedalus

Several ladies here have managed to obtain R1 / R2 on prescription - hopefully if they still have the counterfoil and if has the BNF # printed on it could reply. Don't hold your breath though; as most wouldn't keep the script patient part long term.

I have emailed Henley's Medical Supplies (R1/R2 importer) asking if they have the BNF # and can pass this forward as some GP's will not prescribe without it. As this will be affecting sales hopefully they will reply back quoting it.

If you can't get this prescribed you can order it from Henley's (around £72) but to be honest for 5 days FF rads at a lower total greys I think I would take a chance on using something they recommend like SLS free Aquamax with refrigerated Aloe-Vera and then get something like Flamazine or Mepilex dressings if needed.

I'll reply back if I get the BNF code from Henley's.

Best Wishes, G n' J

Hi Dedalus,

Found your code see attached

You might like to read the cross relationship protocols between your hospital and your surgery.You are asking the g.p. to take responsibility for something outside their expertise.The hospital has formularies that they use and g.p.s will prescribe from this list too,so even though it is allowable it may not be prescribable in certain areas.

Yvie