Recent changes to NHS prescriptions have received mixed reviews from patients across the country. Although prescription charges have remained the same, and the process of repeat prescription ordering has changed slightly, one of the primary concerns for those people with coeliac disease is the worry that gluten free products may no longer be available via prescription. There are still some good supermarket ranges, such as the gluten free product range from Aldi but this article looks at the worry about prescription changes in the UK.
What are the NHS prescription changes in the UK
After consultation, several ICB’s (Integrated Care Boards) in England have significantly reduced or completely removed gluten free prescriptions in 2025. This has taken place in some areas like Leicestershire and Lincolnshire, which have stopped gluten free on prescription completely. Gluten free prescriptions in Cheshire and Merseyside have already stopped for Adults and will also stop for Children from November 2025.
Gluten free bread and flour mixes are still available in some areas but unfortunately it is a postcode lottery depending on the area of the country in which you live.
Impact on people with coeliac disease
Those patients who receive items that are gluten free on prescription will be impacted by these changes. First, there will be an increased cost, as they will now be forced to purchase gluten free items directly from supermarkets and other stores rather than have gluten free products on prescription. This could cost a significant amount when you consider the higher cost of gluten free items compared with others in supermarkets.
The increased health risk posed to those who no longer receive gluten free products on prescription comes from the potential drop in adherence to a gluten free diet due to the cost and the difficulty of acquiring the goods compared with a prescription.
Get gluten free on prescription
It’s important that if you have been diagnosed with coeliac disease that you remove gluten entirely from your diet. One of the best ways to do this and to ensure you have all the staple products in your cupboards, including gluten free white bread, ingredients for gluten free baking, and other staple products. Once you’ve checked your symptoms and spoken to your doctor, you may be eligible for products that are gluten free on prescription depending on the area of England in which you live. Gluten Free prescriptions are still available in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
You may also find some manufacturers send out free sample boxes to give you a chance to sample a range of gluten free items to make you aware of what is available on prescription. Gluten free prescriptions provide a fantastic means to help those with coeliac disease. Since there have been some changes to NHS prescriptions within certain areas of the country, check your individual area. Make sure that you are fully aware of your rights, and what you may be eligible for by speaking to your GP at the earliest convenience.
