Colton Mill Telephone: 0113 2951802
The Grange Telephone: 0113 2951800
Repeat Prescriptions
Repeat prescriptions allow greater convenience for our patients and avoid frequent visits to see a doctor. We would like to emphasise the need for regular review of medication. Any person taking multiple medications is at a greater risk of drug associated side effects; elderly people are particularly at risk. We have a process for regular review of medication which may, on occasions, result in a delay in you receiving your repeat prescription.
We like to see patients with asthma, diabetes, coronary heart disease, epilepsy, chronic bronchitis or emphysema annually at the minimum.
People taking HRT or the contraceptive pill should also be seen anually. Patients on treatment for high blood pressure should have a BP check every six months. Those on obesity treatments need monthly checks.
Antidepressant treatments need regular review either by ourselves or by a specialist. We may be reluctant to give these as a repeat item.
Most medication will be given in monthly quantities. There are exceptions to this rule, but it is at the discretion of our doctor.
Antibiotics
Between 80 and 90 percent of all respiratory infections (coughs, colds, sore throats and ear infections) are caused by viral infection. Most of these infections will get better on their own over the course of 7 to 10 days. Antibiotic treatment has no beneficial effect in the treatment of viral illness. We want to avoid unnecessary treatment with antibiotics. However if you are concerned that your respiratory infection is not getting better spontaneously or worried that your condition is getting worse, please consult with the doctor or nurse practitioner.
Analgesic (Painkilling medication)
The prescription of pain killing medication requires careful consideration. Often simple paracetamol in the recommended dose is the safest option if analgesia is required. Analgesics containing codeine, particularly those with larger doses of codeine, are potentially addictive. Some patients experience headaches with regular codeine use. Constipation is also a common side effect.
Anti-inflammatory painkillers have potential side effecs such as indigestion, peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding. They can contribue to fluid retention and are not suitable for a lot of patients with heart disease.
If you take painkillers on a regular basis we will expect to see you in surgery periodically for review.
Medications for Heartburn and Indigestion
These are widely used, but it is important to reassess the need to continue taking them in the long term. So do not e surprised if it is suggested that you try a lower maintenance dose, or perhaps try to discontinue the regular treatment.
Blood Testing
Many medications require a patients to have routine blood tests. The frequency of blood testing varies, dependent on the type of medication. For example, people on cholesterol lowering tablets or thyroxine need annual blood tests as a minimum.