Did you know? You may not have thought about it, but it's important that you let your Doctor (GP) know about any drugs that you use, that are not prescribed by them.This includes drugs prescribed by other Practitioners, such as hospital doctors, online doctors, dentists, pharmacists, optometrists, physiotherapists etc. Herbal remedies and over-the- counter medicines should also be notified to your GP.
This is because, occasionally, drugs and herbs do interact with each other, and sometimes these interactions can have bad side effects.
On your GP's computer system there is a function that flags up possible dangerous drug interactions. However, if the information about your non-GP prescribed drugs is not on the system, no warnings can be issued.
In an ideal world, drugs prescribed by other Health Professionals would automatically be registered on your GP's record. However, at the moment, this does not always happen. So let your GP know about all those other tablets, herbal remedies etc. Just make a little list and hand it in to the Practice. All information will be treated confidentially, in line with the NHS code of confidentiality.
Help your GP Practice to help you!
