NEWS
Providing the best support to people with Parkinson’s Written by Suma Surendranath, Professional Engagement Programme Manager, Parkinson’s UK
There are around 127,000 people with Parkinson’s in the UK. Currently there is no cure, but medication can significantly improve symptoms. Therefore pharmacists can play a key role in ensuring people with Parkinson’s are able to manage their condition and live a full and productive life.
However, maintaining effective medicines management can be a challenge due to the complex and progressive nature of the condition.
This is particularly true when a person with Parkinson’s is admitted to hospital as specific medication routines can be difficult to maintain in this environment.
Nevertheless, there are many actions pharmacists can take to make sure people with Parkinson’s do get the medication they need and so get the most out of a hospital admission.
Maintaining prescribed medication routines Because of issues around the availability of specific medications, accessing the correct information
about routines and timings of drug routines not necessarily aligning to traditional drug rounds, it can be difficult for someone with Parkinson’s to keep to the routine they follow at home.
Disruption to someone’s medication routine can have significant implications both for the person with Parkinson’s and the level of support they require from ward staff.
Therefore it is important to liaise with colleagues to establish the most accurate list of medications, ensure a wide range of Parkinson’s medications are kept in stock and accessible at all times (including out-of-hours to accommodate for emergency admissions) and for activities such as mealtimes and clinical investigations to be coordinated with medication times so that the person is able to participate as actively as possible.
Making sure other medications do not make Parkinson’s symptoms worse People with Parkinson’s may be in hospital for issues that may or may not be related to this condition.
While managing these effectively is clearly a priority, it is also important to make sure that medications given to manage these problems does not make their condition worse by interacting with their Parkinson’s medications.
Examples of these include prochlorperazine (Stemetil) and haloperidol (Serenace/Haldol) which block dopamine receptors making Parkinson’s medications ineffective.
Supporting people to take control As Parkinson’s is a long-term condition, it is important to support people so that they are in control of their health and wellbeing.
People with Parkinson’s should be assessed for their ability to self- administer their medication and supported to do so if clinically able.
Whilst a person’s capability may change during an admission, the aim should always be to encourage people to be as independent with their medication as possible.
They can also be encouraged to learn more about their medications through
The role of the pharmacist
The community pharmacist has an integral role to play in the management of medicines for people living with Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s UK member, Jim Henry explains why he has been using the same pharmacy for over ten years in his home city of Lisburn.
“My pharmacist is very professional, friendly and helpful. She is willing to advice on anything, at any time.
“Most of the time my medication regime is straight forward, but if there
is a change, my pharmacist will ask me why the change has been made and who authorised it.
“She advises me on what side effects to expect so I am prepared.
“For example when I was first prescribed Stilevo she told me to expect a significant discolouration of urine which may resemble bleeding but isn’t blood. If she had not alerted me to this, I would have completely panicked but instead, I knew what to expect.
“My pharmacist will also let me know of any contra-indications with other medications I may be taking and indeed has contacted my GP on occasions when there may have been issues and the GP has then sorted these out.
“I also have diabetes and again my pharmacist makes sure that my medications don’t interact.
“On other occasions she has advised on a cough bottle which may have interacted with my medication and in turn provided one which would have no contra-indications.
“I think Medicines Use Reviews should be introduced in Northern Ireland for all people with Parkinson’s, especially those who are newly diagnosed to discuss their medication regime, the importance of getting medication on time and what the side effects may be.”
Alison Rooney is one of the pharmacists at Jim’s local pharmacy. She says, “I have been a pharmacist for 20 years, 17 of which I have co- owned Pond Park pharmacy with my sister Anita.
Parkinson’s UK member, Jim Henry with his local pharmacist Alison Rooney
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pharmacyinfocus.co.uk
“The pharmacist’s role is varied, helping people deal with the everyday challenges of Parkinson's and
managing its associated symptoms using drugs.
“Due to medicines being one of the major concerns for those with Parkinson's, it is important for pharmacy staff to help reduce the anxiety associated with taking many medications and possible side effects.
“Knowing what to expect helps the patient deal with the situation. A review of these medications may be necessary or preferred by the patient at each dosage change or as drugs are added.
“Medicines Use Reviews are useful to firstly check that drugs are being taken and taken properly. Offering advice on keeping a drug calendar and what to do about missed doses may be useful as well. Tips to reduce unwanted side effect, storage of medication at home and whilst travelling may also be welcomed during these meetings.
“The pharmacy allows friendly, informal chats during visits so patients can relay any issues in this familiar and relaxed environment. Drug calendars, easy open bottles and blister packs are among the topics which may be discussed to make life a little easier.”
Suma Surendranath,
Professional Engagement Programme Manager, Parkinson’s UK
the publications available from
parkinsons.org.uk
Parkinson’s UK supports the UK Parkinson’s Excellence Network, the driving force for improving Parkinson’s care which connects and equips professionals to provide the services people affected by the condition want to see.
To find out more about the Excellence Network and the tools it has developed, including resources for pharmacists, go to
parkinsons.org.uk/excellencenetwork
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