Dispensing charge for OTC medication but on a prescription

masterboy123

Hi All,

Could I ask if a medication (Fluticasone nasal spray 50mcg) which is available over the counter but prescribed by a doctor on a prescription, incurs dispensing charge from the pharmacy?

I am not sure if I need to show the prescription or can simply pick it up myself for the cheapest purchase.

Thanks

A350-900

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058386814/dispensing-charge-for-otc-medication-but-on-a-prescription

Hand over the prescription and they have you for the dispensing fee.

Find out if the item is indeed OTC, and if it is simply ask for it by name.

Mrs OBumble

Just ask the cost of both options

masterboy123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123030498#Comment_123030498

i felt they will offer me the most expensive option.

Mrs OBumble

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123030642#Comment_123030642

You might be pleasantly surprised.

I've more than once presented a script, only to be told the OTC version is cheaper. (Pharmacists tend to take a long term view of customer satisfaction: they make a lot of cash from repeat business people. )

masterboy123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123031070#Comment_123031070

Luckily, I don't have a chronic illness and my annual expenditure on medicines is under €100 annually. That said I seen two different pharmacies in my area telling my spouse (who is on long-term prescription drug) that they have only 3/4 months of supply only instead of prescribed 6 months, asked us to pay for 3 months now and return after 3 months.

When I challenged whether I could pay for full 6 months now, then they acknowledged that it will save me their "dispensing fee". So I felt they purposely hide not having enough supply in order to charge dispensing fees more often. I maybe wrong but that's what I feel.

Xterminator

i too have been advised that the OTC version is cheaper by a pharmacist when it was on my prescription. on two occasions i can remember.