Petition · past parliament
Pass an exemption to allow GPs to prescribe off-license for ME/CFS & Long Covid
Rejected
9 signatures
What the petition asks
ME/CFS & Long Covid are closely related severely debilitating conditions for which there are *no licensed treatments*. In the absence of any licensed treatments we need an exemption to be granted for ME/CFS and Long Covid to allow GPs to use their medical discretion to prescribe off licence.
Between 40-50% of people with Long Covid are estimated to meet the criteria for ME/CFS, meaning we are in the midst of a mass disabling event.
There are no specialists for either condition, so GPs are our main point of care. Research is identifying safe medications that could help with managing the symptoms of ME/CFS and Long Covid. Yet patients cannot try any potentially helpful medications because they are not licensed for GPs to be able to prescribe them. We are left with no help.
There are no specialists for either condition, so GPs are our main point of care. Research is identifying safe medications that could help with managing the symptoms of ME/CFS and Long Covid. Yet patients cannot try any potentially helpful medications because they are not licensed for GPs to be able to prescribe them. We are left with no help.
Why it was rejected
The UK Government or Parliament was already taking the action it asked for.
https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/off-label-or-unlicensed-use-of-medicines-prescribers-responsibilities
Timeline
| 16 Dec 2022 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 20 Dec 2022 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
9
Status
Rejected
Rejected
20 Dec 2022
Follow this petition
Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.
Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.