Over-zealous Pharmacists, or a legal requirement?

Pharmacists don't prescribe. It's the GP or consultant who prescribes. The book stops with them not the pharmacist. It's the department of health who are wanting pharmacists to basically become more involved. They do record if you decline the "consultation" but if a patient has an untoward reaction to a drug they are not accountable. They are only accountable if the make a mistake when dispensing the drug.

I understand that the responsiblity for the prescription lies with the medical professional but pharmacists are expected to have a 'duty of care' and yes you're correct that it's the Dept of Health requiring more pro-active involvement from dispensing chemists.  My pharmacist explained very helpfully that we have no obligation to discuss our meds with them but realistically if I am on a repeat prescription and only see my GP infrequently then a brief discussion with my pharmacist each time I collect my meds I personally find reassuring.  It's obviously down to the individual and of course there is no legal requirement to talk to them but I'm of the opinion that it's helpful to me, so I do.

Typo - I meant to type 'when dispensing' rather than 'when prescribing'

Hi Matron and loxie, Thank you both for your replies. 

I do realise that they are acting in my interests, but during the year I see the Consultant, Rheumatology Nurse, my own GP, and the practice nurse (for regular blood tests). I also have contact numbers in case of emergency or any problem with the meds. All those appointments take time, and cover all eventualities, so to me the Pharmacist consultation is just an extra I don't need.

I do appreciate the time and assistance offered by the Pharmacists for other reasons, for example, to check that an over-the-counter medication will not conflice with the Metho. Also, I didn't mind chatting with them the first two or three times, but this is long-standing medication which has been stable for many years, so now I feel it is just wasting my time and thiers.

Thanks again for your replies.

I agree Lexx. I feel the same and I'm a nurse prescriber and my brother is a pharmacist! I've just spoken to him about this discussion and he said there's been some research in his area and 90% of patients decline this interview for exactly the reasons you've given. You see enough professionals so you are overloaded with advice. Just decline my brother said any decent pharmacist will not be offended and fully understand.

In your situation Lexx, I so sympathise with dealing with yet more talk about your condition, which can get very tiring I appreciate.  As Matron has said, the pharmacist won't be offended if you decline their offer at least they can 'tick a box'.  Re pain relief, I have OA and also take MSM, although not really sure it's any kind of miracle cure.  I appreciate that RA is so different and some things which work for one don't for the other, or arent suitable.  I have started using ginger (fresh, root not powdered) for my OA pain and inflammation and also to counterract hair loss as a result of an allergic reaction to some meds.  I make ginger and lemon 'tea' to drink and I blitz fresh ginger in the blender with argan oil and use it as a body and head rub.  It's most definitely eased the inflammation in my hands as although still painful I can at least use them and even managed to open a bottle top yesterday (first time in years!).  Hope the meds keep working for you. xx

Thanks for that joy. Will definitely consider this. Anything is worth a try to minimise the awful pain.

If you need methotrexate it should be prescribed for you.