Boots Hair Retention Programme, rejection?

[dannyfc]

After being turned away by my GP, who told me the NHS do not license finasteride, I was directed toward Boots' Hair Retention Programme which presumably offers it.

However, after filling out the form on the website, I was told I wasn't suitable with no explanation. What possible reason could there be for ineligibility? There was only a small number of questions, and I couldn't see any of my answers that would flag me as wrong for it. I'm not allergic, I'm old enough....

I've had rapid loss in the last couple of months and this rejection has crippled me as it was my last hope. Anyone have experience with this?

PS; Please don't reply with links to generic prescriptions from questionable GPs. Thanks

[Jcm800]

Go instore then instead? I've been into my local Boots in town and nearly pulled the trigger, but decided against it. In person i reckon you'd have more luck?

[dannyfc]

Well I phoned up local stores and apparently they don't offer it, so they instead directed me toward the online system. (Which i previously didnt realise existed)

T

[dannyfc]

Well I managed to place an order in the end for 1 months supply. Not sure what happens after then though, anyone know?

Turns out they'll only accept those with temple/front loss, but not those with all over loss, which is strange. Does this mean Propecia isn't effective for the latter? My hair is thinning quite rapidly on the sides.

[Jcm800]

They give you a one month trial run, to see if you can tolerate it. After that it's £90 every three months I believe.

[matlondon]

Originally Posted by dannyfc

After being turned away by my GP, who told me the NHS do not license finasteride, I was directed toward Boots' Hair Retention Programme which presumably offers it.

However, after filling out the form on the website, I was told I wasn't suitable with no explanation. What possible reason could there be for ineligibility? There was only a small number of questions, and I couldn't see any of my answers that would flag me as wrong for it. I'm not allergic, I'm old enough....

I've had rapid loss in the last couple of months and this rejection has crippled me as it was my last hope. Anyone have experience with this?

PS; Please don't reply with links to generic prescriptions from questionable GPs. Thanks

But he can write a private one.

[splitting hairs]

Forget them. Go to your GP and ask for a PRIVATE prescription. This means you pay the full cost, around £30 a month. Then take it to a pharmacy.

Your GP is right that propecia is not available on the NHS since they refuse to fund it as its a cosmetic problem.

[Jcm800]

But wouldn't a UK GP prescribe Proscar? I did ask my GP about Propecia ages ago, whilst enquiring about the Boots retention programme, he was quite laid back and just said "go for it" I didn't tho.

[bobbyt]

I too have been looking into the Boots Hair Retention Programme and did notice today that you can do the process online through an online consultation. I am assuming this is a new process and for me (personally), this is more appealing than going in store and having to speak to somebody in person about it.

I really hadn't anticipated getting potentially turned down via the very few questions it sounds like they ask you online.

Think Im gonna go for it. It is unfortunate that you need to pay a full 1 month (£44.99) rather than get the 12 month rate - although I understand it is beneficial to try it for a month to see if you develop any sides (which we are all hopeful none of us new starters will experience!)..

[splitting hairs]

No GP should be prescribing Proscar because it isn't licensed for hair loss and tbh I doubt many will as it means they take personal responsibility for its use in that patient.

If you get a private prescription for propecia and shop around you can get it for £30 a month.

I personally prefer seeing my GP rather than doing the boots thing because it's more expensive