In Wales there are no charges for NHS prescriptions. The following information applies to England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

You don't have to pay for treatments given to you while you are in the clinic. But, if you are given a prescription for chemotherapy tablets to take when you get home you may be asked to pay a prescription charge.

Not all hospitals or departments charge people for these prescriptions. This is because, when people are given chemotherapy while at a hospital clinic, they are usually classed as day-patients. The rules on prescription charging don't mention day-patients. They say that people going home after in-patient care don't pay a prescription charge for drugs they take home but that out-patients do.

So, there isn't a clear rule for day-patients. And, some hospitals apply the in-patient rule and don't charge for prescriptions and other hospitals apply the out-patient rule and do make a charge.

If you are asked to pay prescription charges it is worth checking if you are entitled to free prescriptions or if you would save money by buying a pre-payment certificate.

Many people, including some politicians and MPs, feel that it is unfair that people being treated for cancer have to pay a charge for their prescription drugs. There have been campaigns to try to change these rules but so far they have been unsuccessful. If you feel strongly about this you could write to your local MP to let them know your views.