First prescriptions for Parkinson's disease

This is the first module in a new series supporting pharmacists in conversation with patients who are receiving a new medicine. The modules will cover medications used in the conditions recently added to the new medicine service in England. 

This module deals with medicines used to treat the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). It includes various communication pointers and a brief reminder of key treatments. 

It then moves on to cover how to start a PD new medicines consultation by finding out what the patient has already been told (or not) about their treatment, before covering any questions that might need to be asked and advice that you can offer the patient. 

Key facts

• Community pharmacists have a key role to play in improving outcomes for patients on medication for PD 
• A key aim should be to try to ensure that any side-effects do not affect adherence
• It is important that each patient takes their medications at a time that is right for them
• PD patients should be advised to avoid any OTC products that contain pseudoephedrine

Contributing author: Esther Wong, lead pharmacist for neurology, Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust