Posted , 5 users are following.
Hi, my name is Marie, 38, married with three children. Im a daily drinker, I only drink beer but I really want to cut down and have a normal relationship with alcohol. I was just wondering if anybody knows how easy/difficult it is to get Selincro prescribed in Ireland and if my GP will request I do counselling also.
Thanks so much,
Marie
0 likes, 9 replies
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HumptyDumpty43 Marie69029
Posted
Hi Marie,
Sorry but I don't know anything about Selincro so best to ask your GP. He might well refer you to an alcohol counsellor which may be a good place to start.
I'm sure some one on here will have some information for you as it's full of very knowledgeable people with lots of different experiences!!
All the best
Claire xx
Joanna-SMUKLtd Marie69029
Posted
Yes, it certainly is available on the HSE in Ireland Marie.
It has been approved by the HSE to be assessed and prescribed to by your GP. However, many GPs are not aware of it because they seem to automatically, but incorrectly, assume that alcohol issues are dealt with by addiction specialists. That was generally the case before Selincro was approved so they are not wrong, they are just not up to date.
Ask to be assessed for 'nalmefene to help reduce your alcohol consumption'. If your GP is unsure, he/she can check chapter 15.3.1 of the Irish Medicines Formulary. For your information, I have attached a photo of what it says here, so you can read it in advance.
GPs are usually instructed to ensure that the patient is receiving some counselling support, yes. If your GP requests this, then I can help you. I run a charity in England that offers free support for this particular treatment free of charge. You can google search 'C3 Foundation Europe' and you will find me there if you need me (or PM me on here).
Marie69029
Posted
Hi Joanna,
Thank you so so much for that information. I have an appointment tomorrow with my GP but I feel he might be reluctant to prescribe me it. Will let you know how I get on. Do I have a legal right to request this medication?
Marie
Joanna-SMUKLtd Marie69029
Posted
In England we have the NHS Constitution which lays out (pledges) what patients can expect from the NHS and what the NHS (in particular the staff) expects from the patient. Part of this states that we have the right to medication approved for use on the NHS if it is medically suitable for you. I am not sure if you have something similar in Ireland exactly, but you definitely have something called Inclusion Ireland which is a fairly basic document which gives the HSE complaints details if you feel you are unhappy with the treatment offered.
For example, if your GP is not willing to prescribe a HSE-approved medication, or refer to you a specialist in the very least, because they tell you to go to a faith-based organisation (AA, for example) then you would have cause for compliant because a medication has been clinically tested and shown to have a high degree of success for many patients, and it can help treat your condition.
However, if you do not meet the medical guidelines for Selincro then a GP may not be willing to prescribe and it is his/her medical opinion not to prescribe, then unless the reason is a very flimsy one, that would be a valid reason not to prescribe and that would be deemed acceptable by the HSE.
Basically, you would have a cause for complaint if there is no medical reason preventing you from being prescribed this HSE-approved medication. If your GP is inexperienced in the condition and doesn't feel comfortable, then he/she has an obligation to refer you on to a more qualified or knowledgable doctor who does.
Marie69029
Posted
So just home from doctor. Told him I wanted Selincro. Said he would give me a 30 day prescription but medication is not for long term use.Asked was he familiar with TSM...he said never heard of it! Explained it can take up to a year for reduced drinking and hopefully abstenince. Looked at me like I had ten heads. He googled how long you can take Selincro. Guidelines stated it can be 6 to 12 months. He still wasnt getting it. Gave me a presciption for Valium too. Anyway Selincro not in stock so will collect them tomorrow.
Joanna-SMUKLtd Marie69029
Posted
Good stuff, well done.
I've just PM'd you the website details for our charity. Please use the contact button and email me - I can then send you back some links about how to begin using this medication and also give you access to a free, online support tool that will help you progress.
Joanna.
Joanna-SMUKLtd Marie69029
Posted
Also, when you collect your medication, please ask the pharmacist about alcohol and valium. I was under the impression that it can be quite dangerous to mix alcohol and valium, and yet your doctor has prescribed you valium knowing that you need to drink alcohol with the Selincro.
That doesn't seem quite right to me and you should definitely check it out with the pharmacist.
Marie69029 Joanna-SMUKLtd
Posted
Thats the whole point Joanna, he hasnt a clue. Shocking really. I wont be taking the Valium.
Robin2015 Marie69029
Posted
Clueless GP. Common sense not to mix valium with selincro! Not impressed. Not easy for you Marie.