GP Urges Patients to Ask Vital Questions About New Prescriptions
Navigating a new prescription can often feel overwhelming, but a prominent GP has shared essential questions patients should ask to stay fully informed about their treatment. Speaking on BBC Morning Live, Dr Punam Krishan emphasized that patients must feel empowered to discuss their medications openly with healthcare providers.
It is common for patients to worry about wasting their doctor's time, yet taking a few moments to understand your medicine is crucial for optimal health outcomes. Dr Krishan explained, "I think it's really important to ask the questions. A lot of my patients worry, 'am I going to take up your time?', but if we are prescribing something, just take those extra minutes and ask a few questions."
What to Ask Your GP
To ensure you get the most out of your treatment, Dr Krishan suggests breaking your questions down into three main categories:
- Understanding the Medicine
- What is it for?
- How does it work?
- How long does it take to start working?
- How can I tell if it is working effectively?
- How to Take It Correctly
- How often and when should I take it?
- Should I take it with food or water?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- Managing Side Effects
- Does it have any common side effects?
- What should I do if I experience them?
- Should I ever stop taking the medication?
Accessible Information Resources
If you misplace the paper leaflet that comes with your pills, there are numerous digital and professional resources available to help. Dr Krishan noted, "We misplace them, we lose them, and if you do, you do not need to worry because the NHS website does have a dedicated medicines A to Z page where you can look up any medication."
For those who find the small print on leaflets difficult to read, legal protections ensure accessible formats. Dr Krishan highlighted, "The MHRA has a regulation stating that this patient information about medications should be accessible. So, on request, it is available in Braille, large print, you can get audio versions of it."
Seeking Support and Warnings
Remember that your local pharmacist is an expert in medicines and is often easier to reach than a doctor for a quick chat. Dr Krishan added, "Of course, remember your pharmacist, your GP, we are the prescribers, we know about these medications, we are there to use."
It might be tempting to stop taking tablets if you feel they aren't working, but this can lead to dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Dr Krishan warned, "If you're on any long-term meds, I think that a lot of people can sometimes just go, 'Well, I don't know if it's working for me, so I'll just stop it.' Never do that."
Instead, keep a diary of any mild symptoms and discuss them with a professional before making changes. However, if you experience a severe reaction like a rash or vomiting, seek emergency medical help immediately.
