Prescriptions

[MallyJ]

Is it normal practise for doctors to change a persons prescription without actually seeing the patient or even ringing them to explain? To explain I am taking 4 types of tablet and have been for a while, ramipril which has disappeared from my prescription and bisoprolol which has shrunk from 10 to 5 mg ...the other 2 remain the same. I will be asking what is happening tomorrow / Tuesday but would like to know if this is common practise.

[teacake44]

The reduction sounds to be a good thing as its Monday tomorrow. :0)

[Mamyalynne]

I would have expected some information about the change, ring to check all is correct.

[calmck]

Did you ask for a repeat prescription? Maybe wrong info given to Doctor. We have to email request listing meds and dosage required.
Have you had blood tests recently?

[Sqad]

I would need an explanation as to why my BP regime was being changed.

[MallyJ]

I have had my prescriptions sent to a local chemist which I pick my pills up from when they text me to say it is ready and have been doing this since the start of the pandemic ..... I am fairly sure it is all done automatically. I will be in touch with them tomorrow or Tuesday but it just seems odd...so wondered if it is common practise to change medication without telling the patient first

[MallyJ]

yes Squad...a little concerning that one!

[ummmm]

My GP always phones me if they are changing my meds.

Have you had any blood tests recently?

[Vagus]

Both those meds are for high blood pressure aren’t they? Have you recently had a medication review, or a blood pressure check up?
If that happened to me, I’d be on the phone asap to query why the change, and why wasn’t I informed.
No, I don’t believe it’s common practice.

[MallyJ]

Yes Umm I had one a month or two ago and have heard nothing from the surgery since....I was told that if I didn't have it done they would withhold my prescription...another thing I am not happy about

[Mamyalynne]

With certain medications, reviews and blood tests are vital - however if those tests had showed any reason to either discontinue or reduce a med then you need an explanation.

Let us know how you fare tomorrow.

[ummmm]

They've probably had a meds review with the pharmacist. I think at the moment the phone lines are a bit clogged.

Do your GPs do internet consultations?

[Vagus]

Mally, our surgery do the same. It’s a good thing to have your blood monitored (at our surgery it’s every 12 months) when you’re on BP meds

[jno]

have you had any recent checkups that might have led them to change your regime? Even if yes, I'd definitely be phoning up.

[MallyJ]

Actually Ummm the pharmacist knew nothing about it they just follow what is said on the prescription sent up to them....I am beginning to think that a decision has been made by the doctor but I am too unimportant to contact.....I am afraid I don't do zoom or on line discussions so that is of no use...will pop in ..!!

[Vagus]

What about a telephone consultation? Easy peasy.

[MallyJ]

Vagus....I do prefer face to face ... or mask to mask mumbling as it has been for some time!!!

[pixie374]

Are they doing econsults, mally? That seems quickest and easiest here. If you haven't rung for results, they can still tell you.

[ummmm]

I much prefer phone consultations. I find so much more gets covered.

[pixie374]

Ours either email or ring back, ummm. I agree, it's quicker and easier.

[Peter Pedant]

the practices are obliged to review their patients' medication

I get worried when I know more about the drugs than the reviewer.

ring tomorrow