When you take medication for Parkinson’s, it is particularly important not to stop your medication suddenly. Stopping medications suddenly can cause unpleasant symptoms which may be dangerous. For this reason, make sure to submit your repeat prescription request with plenty of time. Sometimes there are delays at the pharmacy or doctors’ surgery which cannot be predicted.

Advice to people who are planning to go away

• If you know that you are going away, request enough medication to last while you are away, as well as some spare in case your travel plans are disrupted and your return home is delayed.
• If you are going abroad, make sure to purchase travel insurance and tell the insurance company that you have Parkinson’s.
• Different countries have different rules about medication, and it is possible that something that you are prescribed in the UK is not permitted in the country you are travelling to. Keep all medication in its original packaging and carry your prescription with you at all times while you are travelling. Some countries require a doctors’ note to accompany all prescription medication. Do your research before travelling. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides information about entry requirements to each country Foreign travel advice – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
• Keep your medication in your hand luggage in case your suitcase does not arrive at the other end!
• For those who struggle walking long distances or standing for prolonged periods of time, consider booking special assistance through your airline, even if you do not usually use a wheelchair. They can meet you on your arrival at the airport and take you through to the gate.

What to do if you run out of medication

• If you have a prescription, take it to an open pharmacy, even if it is not the one that you usually use. You can find an open pharmacy in Wales by searching here: NHS 111 Wales – Local Services Search, and in England by searching here: Find a pharmacy – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
• If you do not have a prescription:
  • Contact your own GP surgery if they are open and explain that you need an urgent prescription.
  • If you are away from home, you may be able to have a consultation with a local GP who can issue you with a prescription for a limited quantity of medication. Alternatively, if you are in the UK, you can call 111 and explain the situation. They may be able to arrange an out of hours GP to issue a prescription for you.
  • If you cannot get a prescription via any of these methods, take the packaging from your old medication to a pharmacy. If you have an old prescription, take this too. The pharmacist may be able to issue you with an emergency supply of medication even without a prescription.