Medications That Require Monitoring
What are High Risk Drugs?
Some of you may be on high risk medications which have been started by a specialist for a particular condition. These medications requires close monitoring as they can cause other problems, albeit rare.
What monitoring is usually required and how often must I get this done?
This is usually in the form of blood tests and the specialist will write to us to ask us to continue prescribing these medications safely with specific individualised guidance on how often blood tests and other monitoring is needed. This is called a ‘Shared Care Agreement’.
If you are on a drug requiring monitoring, please take the time to read this information leaflet Shared Care Information for Patients
Why is my specialist prescribed medication getting rejected or delayed when I request it?
Doctors GMC guidance states that medicines must remain safe and necessary for the individual. In order for us to prescribe safely we require the patient to adhere to the blood monitoring requirements set out by the specialist.
Your prescription may get rejected if we do not have clear guidance from the specialist or if the required bloods are not carried out in time. This is to ensure your safety as per GMC guidelines
Can I get more information?
Your specialist should provide you with this information on starting the medication
You can speak to our pharmacy team at the surgery if needed.
What can I do to help?
Please ‘Help Us to Help You’ by
- Requesting your blood forms in a timely fashion
- Carry out your bloods as per recommended frequency BEFORE requesting your prescription.
- Ensure you attend your hospital appointments
This way, when you do request, the doctor can check it is safe to issue your medication based on your blood results and any recent hospital letters, with minimal delay
You should request a form for your next blood tests ideally a month before you know it is due via your prescription request or through reception. The receptionist can print this out for you on request from front desk. If you have a printer at home you can request the blood form to be sent to you as a link via text. Please do not request this if you cannot print out the blood form yourself.