Suddenly stopping a prescription medicine can make your liver disease worse. But with the current pressures on NHS services, some patients are finding it hard to get a new prescription in time.
This can have serious consequences. Patients who have gone home from hospital feeling a lot better can end up seriously ill again. Because they are not able to get a follow up appointment before their new medicine runs out.
In some cases there is confusion about who should issue the new prescription. With GPs unsure what to do and referring people back to hospital clinics with long waiting lists.
In this blog we share some questions that you can ask if you find yourself having to manage an important new prescription.
How to make sure you can get your medicine
If you are given a new medicine when you go home from hospital, or at an appointment with your specialist, find out what should happen next.
Ask the person prescribing the medicine:
- How long will this medicine last?
- Can you prescribe a bigger pack, so I won’t run out if my next appointment is delayed?
- Can this be a repeat prescription, so I can order it without having another appointment?
- What should I do when I need more of this medicine?
- Who should I contact if I am having problems getting my medicine? And how can I contact them?
You might be told to go to your GP for your next prescription. It is a good idea to check with the GP before you need more medicine. Give them a call about a week after your hospital visit.
Ask your GP surgery:
- Have they got the instructions from the hospital?
- Will the GP be able to prescribe the medicine?
- Will you need to make an appointment to see the GP?
If you need an appointment to get your next prescription, try to book it well in advance. That way you will have time if something goes wrong.
Ask your GP surgery or hospital clinic:
- How far in advance can I book an appointment?
- What is the best way to book?
It can be difficult to get a GP appointment. Some GP surgeries will let you book non urgent appointments a few weeks in advance. Either by talking to the receptionists or by using the NHS app.
Set a reminder on your phone or on your calendar to help you remember to make the appointment.
Getting your regular medicines should be straightforward. But unfortunately this isn’t always the case.
It is really important that you are not forced to suddenly stop taking your medicine. Without it you could become seriously ill. So it is ok to ask questions and make sure that your healthcare team know what you need. They should understand how important your medicine is. If they do not, ask to speak with someone else who might be able to help.
More help and support
What should I do if I am not happy with my care?
Blog: Managing the stress of medical appointments
