Decision Report 201701810

Summary

Mr C complained to us that the practice had failed to manage his medication in an appropriate manner. He had been on pramipexole medication (used as treatment for Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome) for four years and he said that during that period the practice had not reviewed the medication. Mr C said that the practice had also increased the medication dosage without telling him and that he had experienced severe side effects. Mr C felt that the practice should have kept the medication under review and informed him of the change in dosage.

We took independent advice from a GP adviser. We found that, during the period in question, Mr C had not reported to the practice that he was having side effects from the medication. The practice had invited Mr C to attend for a review of his medication on five occasions, but he had not responded. Mr C was also reviewed on two occasions when he attended the practice to discuss other clinical matters. We also found that it was appropriate for a pharmacist to advise Mr C of the increase in the dosage of the medication, rather than have him make an appointment with a GP. We did not uphold Mr C's complaint.