Hi all, I am new to a diagnosis and having appointments and referrals set up. I have just had an appointment sent to me for “Pharmacist movement disorder telephone clinic”. I’m starting to get bogged down and anxious about what’s what already! Can somebody tell me what thos appointment is for and what to expect from this call / clinic please? Thank you!
Hi Sue,
Welcome to our community forum. It sounds as if this is a telephone discussion with a pharmacist to determine what prescriptions might be best for you, but you’re of course right to ask for clarity. We would suggest reaching out to our helpline on 0808 800 0303. Our advisors are highly knowledgeable and have access to multiple resources that can be of use. They’re friendly and happy to lend an ear. You can also make use of our website to search topics you’re thinking about using the simple search function in the top right of the page. We recommend this section for those who are newly diagnosed: Newly diagnosed with Parkinson's | Parkinson's UK.
We hope these tools can be of assistance as you get to know our lovely community.
With our warmest welcome,
Jason
Forum Moderator
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I am not sure I would be wanting to discuss what Parkinson’s meds I should be taking with a pharmacist. I would assume that the pharmacist will be making suggestions to a doctor. As far as I know, pharmacists cannot prescribe PD meds.
Hi, thank you for your reply 
. I’ve found out what this is now. Its a specialist pharmacist from the hospital who monitors side effects from medication etc. My mind was slightly boggled about the idea of the involvement of a pharmacist, but it makes better sense now.
Are they a prescribing pharmacist? Can they decide what drugs you should take? I think those where the issues I had.
Yes, they are the “Frailty pharmacist”,clinical pharmacist, part of the team that I’m being looked after by. I’m taking pramipexole and they are planning to double my dose which needs monitoring. I guess they keep an eye on efficacy and side effects. Side effects being my biggest concern, there are some potential horrors to be had from what the neurologist already warned me. 
Hi Sue
As far as I can see, such a pharmacist can give a view/recommendation on medication but a doctor would have to prescribe it. Pharmacist prescribing is extremely limited and does not include PD meds.
Regards
Doug
Hi, I’ve had two telephone appointments with the clinical pharmacist from the hospital now. Basically they have looked at how I’m getting on with various medications and their side effects. They then discussed their suggestions with my consultant and are tweaking some and replacing others. So all in all very helpful in the end.
Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s reassuring to hear how helpful the pharmacist telephone clinic was for you. Having access to clear, knowledgeable advice—especially when managing medication—can make such a difference. Wishing you continued support and good health on your journey.
Hello David,
Welcome to our forum and thank you for sharing your support.
We agree, having access to clear, knowledgeable advice can make such a difference to someone living with Parkinson’s and their supporters.
Everyone’s experience of Parkinson’s is different. So your specialist, Parkinson’s nurse or pharmacist will work with you to find the treatment and medication that is best for you. You can find more information about Parkinson’s medication, including which drugs are most commonly used to help manage the condition on our website.
Our helpline is also available if you’d like to speak to someone about managing medication. Our trained advisors can put you in touch with a Parkinson’s nurse. It’s free and totally confidential: 0808 800 0303
Take care, The Parkinson’s Moderation Team 