Prescriptions

What foods are available on prescription?

There are many different products now available from a variety of different manufacturers, including specially manufactured breads, rolls, pastas, flour and bread mixes, pizza bases and crackers.

Try as many different products as you can because everyone's personal taste is different. You can also contact manufacturers directly and they will give you information on the range of products that they make and are usually happy to send out samples.

A list of all the foods available on prescription can be found in our Food and Drink DirectoryOur annual Directory of gluten-free food and drink which manufacturers voluntarily submit to. , and can also be downloaded. New products become available throughout the year, which are added to this list and to our monthly updates for the Food and Drink Directory.

Who decides what products are available on prescription?

The Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances (ACBSThe Advisory Committee of Borderline Substances is responsible for deciding what products go onto the presciptions list. ), which is an independent body advising the Department of Health, recommend to GPsYour local doctor or General Practitioner. products which are not drugs or medical devices that can be prescribed to patients. The list of current recommendations can be found in our Food and Drink Directory.

Although most GPs will only prescribe products approved by the ACBS, they are able to prescribe alternatives if they believe it is needed for your care

You can find further information on the ACBS website.

How do I get food on prescription?

In most parts of the country, as with prescriptions for medication, your GP raises and signs the prescription which is then dispensed by a pharmacist. Once you are comfortable with the gluten-freeWhen a food has less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten so it is safe for people with coeliac disease to eat. diet you will be able to get products on a repeat prescription.

Pharmacy-led Prescribing Schemes

Some primary care trusts (PCTs), such as Northamptonshire and Allerdale, Cumbria, run pharmacy-led prescribing schemes. These allow you to get glutenA protein that is found in the cereals wheat, barley and rye. -free products directly from your local pharmacist instead of having to go through your GP. These schemes aim to free up GP time and provide easier access to gluten-free foods.

If your PCT now uses one of these schemes, it is important that you speak to your GP if your symptoms change or if you have any concerns. They can then refer you to a dietitianAn expert in food and nutrition. if necessary.

Coeliac UK is working with pharmacy organisations to assess such schemes and encourage other PCTs to take them up.

How many items can I receive?

The amount of food that can be prescribed is up to your GP. However, there are guidelines available that recommend a minimum amount of food you can receive on prescription each month. These guidelines are based on your age, gender, how active you are and whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

The guidelines recommend a number of units each month which relate to a certain number of food items.

Table: Recommended minimum amounts per month

Table: Number of units for different foods

It is a good idea to guess how much bread, pasta or crackers you would normally eat in a month to help your GP calculate how much you will need.

The guidelines give flexibility about how you use your units. Some people may just receive bread on prescription, whilst others get a variety of foods.

An example of a monthly prescription is:

Male aged 15-59 years requires 18 units per month.

This could be made up of:

Will I need to pay for my prescription?

Prescriptions for gluten-free food are not free of charge unless you qualify for free prescriptions. To find out if you are entitled to free prescriptions, please see the Department of Health website.

The amount you pay for prescriptions varies between GPs but usually you will need to pay one prescription charge for each line on your prescription. So eight loaves of the same bread would be one charge, while one packet of pasta would be another charge.

The prescription charge in England is £7.20.

If you do need to pay for prescription items, it may work out cheaper to get a pre-payment certificate (PPC) which allows you to pay in advance. A PPC covers you for all of your NHS prescription costs, no matter how many you need. For the PPC application form please visit the NHS website.

Can I change my prescription?

While you are getting used to your gluten-free diet, it is likely that you will want to change the amount or type of foods you get on prescription. If you want to change your prescription at any time you should make an appointment to see your GP.

Who can advise me on what products to choose?

If you are unsure about which products to order on prescription, your dietitian will be able to give you advice on what foods are best nutritionally. If you are newly diagnosed with coeliac diseaseA condition where a person is unable to eat gluten as it makes their body attack itself.  check that you have been referred to a dietitian. Your GP or hospital doctor can arrange a referral.

Gluten in medications

Medicines and drugs which have been prescribed to you by your GP are gluten-free. 

Normally GPs prescribe medicines which are licensed and listed in prescribing guides. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is the government agency which is responsible for ensuring that medicines are acceptably safe. They have informed us that all of these medicines are safe for people with coeliac disease.

Side effects of medications

Sometimes medications can cause side effects which can be similar to the symptoms you have if you have accidentally eat gluten. If you have any unexpected side effects when taking medications we would advise speaking to your GP.

Prescribed medications should only be taken or stopped under medical advice: do not stop taking any medication without consulting your GP first. They are best placed to advise you about possible alternative medications.