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.

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Practical problem

An ongoing issue is that a monitored dose system box usually only has enough compartments for medication to be given four times a day, however, it is not uncommon for someone with Parkinson’s to need to take different medicines up to eight times a day if not more.

As the boxes are standardised, it means that two or more boxes are required for each week and each box needs to be relabelled accordingly.

Monitored dose systems can also only be prepared one week at a time as medication regimens can change.

Understanding the critical importance of these medication timings and speaking to your patients about any concerns is very important.

The Medicines Use Review (MUR) service can be very helpful for the patient.

Being community-based you have the opportunity to develop an ongoing relationship with your patient and fully understand the specifics of their care.