Community pharmacists can play a hugely important role in managing the medication routine of Parkinson’s in primary care, writes Suma Surendranath, professional engagement and education manager at Parkinson’s UK.

  • There are 127,000 people living with Parkinson’s in the UK
  • In England, people over the age of 65 with Parkinson’s are three times more likely to have an unplanned admission to hospital

There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, but medication can substantially improve symptoms. However, medication routines can be complex and as Parkinson’s is a progressive condition, these routines may change over time.

Without effective medication, symptoms can become poorly controlled and people’s health can significantly deteriorate.

As a community pharmacist, you can play a vital role in ensuring people with Parkinson’s achieve good control of their symptoms with their medications and so have the best possible quality of life.

Medication routines

Medication routines prescribed for Parkinson’s can vary between individuals in the types of preparation, the dosages given and the time at which they are taken. It is vital this routine is maintained as prescribed to achieve the most effective control of symptoms.

Community pharmacists can support this by ensuring there is no delay in dispensing prescribed Parkinson’s medication.

People with Parkinson’s are usually aware of the importance of getting their medication on time and may be anxious if their drugs are running out or there is a problem in getting new supplies.

Prescribed medication should be dispensed in containers the person can open as Parkinson’s can affect fine finger dexterity.

Come back tomorrow for the second instalment of our feature where we explore the unique position of the pharmacist in helping patients understand medication side effects.