Do you have to have a prescription to buy test strips for a glucose meter?

Question

You can buy the meters all day long, But I was told I need a prescription for the strips and lancettes, Is this right? That just seems stupid. If I want to test my self, I should be able to do it.

Answer 1

If you have a prescription, your insurance may pay for the strips or at least pay for part of the strips.   There are diabetic supply companies that go around providing "free" test strips to patients and then turning around and charging the insurance companies a premium for the strips.   I've been able to buy the strips without a prescription pretty much in every country that I've been to and I have a bin in my refrigerator full of test strips from one of those diabetic supply companies.

Answer 2

I agree with you,This is really crazy, but the answer is still YES.

Reciently my meter broke and i got a new one but when to the pharmacy for matching test strips, i was told to get a priscription from

my doctor.Crazy is'nt it.

Answer 3

no its optional

Answer 4

I suppose it depends on where you live (laws can be different from state to state and country to country).  I've never needed a prescription for test strip or syringes.

edit to add:  Contact your local diabetes office (american diabetes association, or their website).  There are programs out there to provide free or low cost test strips and they should know which ones.  You can also try contacting the manufacturer of your meter. You might also try diffeent pharmacies.  If it is not a legal restriction in your state, it could be a pharmacy's policy.

For now, you can purchase clinistix reagent urinalysis strips for glucose testing at most pharmacies (to pee on).  They don't give an exact number like a blood test but can give you an idea of how much sugar you are passing.

Or just offer you friend fifty cents or a dollar for every strip of hers you use.