Prescribing FAQs
These are the questions we're most often asked about prescribing.
What drugs will I be prescribed?
Will the KCA doctor prescribe the stuff my GP does, like antibiotics or benzodiazepines?
When and where do I pick up my script?
What will happen at the Pharmacist?
What will happen if I miss my daily dose?
What happens if I am stoned or drunk when I go to the Pharmacist?
How often do I see my key worker or Doctor?
Where will I see my key worker or Doctor?
What happens if I miss an appointment with my key worker or Doctor?
Who will know about my treatment?
Answers
What drugs will I be prescribed?
We may prescribe Methadone mixture, Buprenorphine, Lofexidine or Naltrexone for you
Will the KCA doctor prescribe the stuff my GP does, like antibiotics or benzodiazepines?
You will still need to see your GP for ordinary medication.
How much will I get?
The KCA doctor will work out how much you need, based on your current usage and will alter your up or down as necessary to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible.
When and where do I pick up a script?
Your first script will be given to you to hand to the Pharmacist. Any further scripts will go directly to the Pharmacist. We will try to link you with a Pharmacist who is participating in the scheme and who is most convenient to you.
What will happen at the pharmacist?
The Pharmacist will give you your dose and, at least initially, you will take this, with a glass of water, in front of the pharmacist.
What will happen if I miss my daily dose?
The Pharmacist will inform us if you miss a dose. If you miss several doses in a row, we will tell the Pharmacist not to give you any more until you have seen your Key worker.
What happens if I am stoned or drunk when I go to the Pharmacist?
It is likely that the Pharmacist will not give you your daily dose, as it would not be safe. He/she may agree to let you return later. The Pharmacist will inform us if this happens.
How often do I see my key worker or doctor
Your Key worker will agree this with you. The frequency that you are seen will depend on need as assessed by your Key worker.
Where will I see my key worker or Doctor?
When possible, you will see your Key worker or Doctor in a clinic nearest to where you live. When this is not possible, you may be seen in another clinic.
What will happen if I miss an appointment with my key worker or doctor?
If you miss an appointment with your Key worker or Doctor, a further appointment will be sent to you. If you miss a second appointment your prescription will be suspended. This may also happen if you are persistently late.
Who will know about my treatment?
We will tell your GP and the pharmacist that you have agreed to come into the Prescribing Service. We may contact other people, such as your Probation Officer, Social Worker, Housing Worker – but, where possible, we will talk to you about this before we contact them. More information about confidentiality and information sharing is available in our Confidentiality leaflet.
What will my GP do for me?
Your GP will look after your general medical needs. Your GP will not give you substitute medication, unless you have transferred to the shared care scheme. We will work with your GP, where appropriate, if you have any medical problems.
What happens next?
After you have attended the information session and have decided that you want an assessment, we will give you a date to attend for an assessment where you will talk to a Key worker. We may ask you for a saliva specimen. You will also be given an appointment to see a member of our medical team.