Prescriptions - Scotland
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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, NHS Scotland provide access to staple gluten free foods on prescription through the Gluten Free Food Service. This service is available through your local pharmacy.
Availability and access may vary depending on which Health Board area you live in.
Please ask your Pharmacist what the arrangements are in your Health Board.
What products are available?
Gluten free alternatives to everyday staple foods are available through the Gluten-Free Food Service. These include a selection of fresh, long-life and part-baked loaves and rolls, a range of all -purpose flour mixes, breakfast cereals, pasta, pizza bases and crackers.
Gluten Free Loaves
Gluten Free Rolls
Gluten Free Flour Mixes
Gluten Free Breakfast Cereals
Gluten Free Pasta
Gluten Free Crackers
What quantities of gluten free food are available on prescription?
Healthcare professionals measure staple gluten free food in units.
1 unit =
1 (400g) loaf of bread /
1 (5x85g) pack of rolls
OR
1 (250g) pack pasta
OR
1 (200g) pack of crispbread/crackers
1.5 units =
1 (300g - 500g) pack of breakfast cereal
OR
1 (500g) pack of Pure Oats
2 units =
1 (500g) pack of all-purpose mix
OR
1 (500g) pack of pasta
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?
No. Gluten free prescriptions are provided free of charge in Scotland. You will be invited by your GP or dietitian to register for the Gluten Free Food Service.
What happens when you are registered onto the Gluten Free Food Service?
Your GP or dietitian will ask you to complete a Patient Registration Form.
You will be asked to nominate a local community pharmacy
Tip:
Find your nearest community pharmacy here.
Your GP or dietitian will explain how many units of food you are entitled to each month.
Tip:
Print off and complete this Food Diary to estimate how much gluten free food you use in a typical month
Your GP or dietitian will provide you with a Gluten-free Food List of the foods available from your local Health Board.
Tip:
You will be given an Order Form to complete each month to give to your nominated community pharmacy.
How often do I need to make an order?
Each month you will be required to complete a new order form with your selection for that month.
What are the benefits of using the Gluten Free Food Service?
- Control over how you want to manage your gluten free diet
- Access to a reliable monthly supply of staple gluten free foods
- Make changes to your order without making an appointment to see a GP
- Access to an annual health check with a pharmacist
- Support and advice from your local community pharmacy team
Tip:
Read more about the Gluten Free Food Service at NHS Inform