Prescriptions - England
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What is a gluten free prescription?
To help people diagnosed with coeliac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis manage a gluten free diet, the NHS provide access to staple gluten free foods on prescription. These foods are dispensed by your local pharmacy.
Access and availability to gluten free foods on prescription may vary depending on where you live. Please ask your GP or Pharmacist what the arrangements are in your area.
What products are available?
Gluten free alternatives to a core range of staple foods are provided on prescription in England. These products include a selection of fresh, long-life and part-baked loaves and rolls and a range of all -purpose flour mixes.
Gluten Free Flour Mixes
Gluten Free Loaves
Gluten Free Rolls
What quantities of gluten free food are available on prescription in England?
Healthcare professionals measure staple gluten free food in units.
1 unit =
1 loaf of bread or
1 pack of rolls
2 units =
1 (500g) pack of all-purpose flour mix
The approximate allowance of gluten free food a person requires for a month has been suggested by healthcare professionals and Coeliac UK.
| Age group | Recommended no. of units |
|---|---|
| Child 1-3 years | 10 |
| Child 4-6 years | 11 |
| Child 7-10 years | 13 |
| Child 11-14 years | 15 |
| Child 15-18 years | 18 |
| Male 19-59 years | 18 |
| Male 60-74 years | 16 |
| Male 75+ years | 14 |
| Female 19-74 years | 14 |
| Female 75+ years | 12 |
| 3rd trimester pregnancy | Add 1 unit |
| Breastfeeding | Add 4 units |
Ref: Gluten-Free foods – a revised guide 2012
Do I have to pay for a gluten free prescription?
Gluten free prescriptions are only free of charge if you qualify.
Check to see if you qualify here.
If you pay for prescriptions and will be accessing gluten free food regularly the most cost-effective way of doing this is to purchase a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC).
As of February 2020 a PPC costs £29.10 for 3 months or £104 for 12 months and will cover the cost of all your gluten free food allowance and any other medicines you may require.
To find out more about a Prescription Prepayment Certificates click here.
Alternatively call the PPC order line on: 0300 330 1341 or ask your Pharmacist.
How to set up a gluten-free prescription?
Make an appointment to see your GP.
Discuss with your GP what your staple gluten free food needs are for a typical month.
Tip:
Complete this Food Diary to estimate how much bread and flour you use in a typical month at each meal time.
Ask about choosing a local community pharmacy to dispense your prescriptions.
Tip:
Find your nearest community pharmacy here.
Ask about the arrangements for repeat prescriptions in your area.
Tip:
Most prescriptions are repeated every month without the need to see your GP. If you would like your prescription more frequently then ask your GP.
How is a gluten free prescription dispensed?
Your local pharmacist is the healthcare professional responsible for dispensing your gluten-free prescription.
It normally takes 48 hours for a prescription to be ready for collection from your local community pharmacy.
How to make changes to a prescription
The arrangements for making changes to your gluten free prescription will vary depending on where you live. If your GP has not explained the arrangements, then ask your pharmacist.
Tip:
You can use this handy Request Form to give to your GP or Pharmacist.