What to Ask Your GP When Medication Is Unavailable

Essential Questions

1. "What are my alternative options?"

Ask your GP to explain all the alternatives, not just their first choice. For most conditions, there are multiple treatment options. Understanding the options helps you make an informed decision with your doctor.

2. "How does the alternative compare to my current medication?"

Ask about effectiveness, side effect profile, dosing frequency, and any other differences. Some alternatives may work slightly differently or have different side effects to be aware of.

3. "Will I need any monitoring or blood tests?"

Some medication switches require monitoring. For example, switching between certain blood pressure medicines may need blood tests to check kidney function. Switching epilepsy drugs may require blood level monitoring.

4. "How should I transition?"

Some medications need careful cross-tapering — gradually reducing one while increasing the other. Ask whether you should stop your current medication abruptly or taper, and how to start the new one.

5. "What side effects should I watch for?"

Every medication has a different side effect profile. Ask what to expect in the first few weeks and which side effects would require medical attention.

6. "When should I come back for review?"

Ask for a follow-up appointment to assess how the new medication is working. This is especially important for mental health medications, epilepsy drugs, and blood pressure medicines.

7. "Can we switch back when supply returns?"

If you're happy on your current medication and the switch is purely due to supply, ask whether you can switch back when stock returns. Your GP can note this in your records.

8. "Can you write this down?"

Ask for a written summary of the plan — what you're switching to, how to transition, what to watch for, and when to come back. This helps if you need to speak to a pharmacist or another doctor.

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