Free prescriptions?

Yes it was very easy I recall, I think I got a form and the go had to sign it, crikey I don’t recall! Someone might remember or ask your pharmacist or oncologist. You also get free prescriptions for 5 years afterwards x

I got given a form from BC nurse - it was in a pack of information after I was first diagnosed. They sign it and you fill in your details and send it off. You should still be able to pick up your prescriptions for free. I hadn’t completed my form, picked up my first prescription and said I think I’m entitled to free prescriptions, pharmacist looked something up and said yes you are. I didn’t have to pay. I have since completed the form and got my certificate back. 

Hi yes you get a medical exemption card for prescriptions for five years and if still having treatment you can extend for another five years.

Hi, ask your GP and you'll get a medical exemption card, and if you need it for more than 5 years it can be renewed after that. Best wishes 

From what I know, you get free prescriptions as long as you are taking medicines related to your cancer. For instance, if you have to take oestrogen suppressants for 5 years, then you get the free prescriptions for this period. (I got my form from the Doctors).  As soon as you stop taking the drugs, then prescriptions are then due to be paid for. 

I am well over 5 years now and I get an annual prepayment certificate to keep costs at a reasonable level.  Although when I went to renew mid July, I had a warning that I didn't need an annual certificate as my 60th birthday is December, so I bought a quarterly one and at 60, all prescriptions will be free. 

Best wishes to all, Lesley

Hi lesleyhelen 

I had an exemption certificate for prescriptions as soon as I was diagnosed with cancer. It covered all medications, not just cancer treatment ones. I didn’t have breast cancer, but I needed prescriptions for something not related to my cancer and I was covered for the 5 years. This took me to over 60, and I now get free prescriptions anyway. I’m in England.

Sarah xx

Hi lesleyhelen it covers all medication for 5 years not just cancer related ones xx

Hi Anna12345  and SarahH21 , Yes  - it was great for me as I had a road accident in 1983 which has resulted in prescriptions galore (I'm likely to have my leg amputated in the not too distant future), so I have been having dozens of prescriptions not related to cancer for years, I was astounded that I didn't have to get an annual certificate for those as the cancer related certificate meant that these were all covered too

But the 5 years, is only if you are taking cancer related medication for those 5 years (for instance, some women can be on oestrogen suppressants for 10 years in which case they will get a certificate for 10 years), but those that don't have oestrogen positive breast cancer may not be on cancer related treatment for this period of time and therefore wouldn't get the certificate of exemption for that period.

Best wishes, Lesley

But I have been given a 5 year exemption certificate and I do not have any of those treatments as my cancer was er negative? My only maybe cancer related med is the monthly ibandronic acid x

Hi Anna12345 

I’ve given links here to the information from Cancer Research UK and MacMillan about prescription charges/exemptions.

Macmillan-Prescription Charges

Cancer Research UK-prescriptions

Sarah xx