Whether you’re preparing for a first consult or a subsequent follow-up appointment, it can take some time to get comfortable with terminology surrounding your alternative therapies journey. To help you navigate your appointments with confidence, we’ve put together a guide to some of the most common terms you might come across and what they mean in a medical context.
Prescription:
A prescription is an authorisation from a qualified healthcare provider (like your GP!) that allows you to obtain specific treatments or medications from a pharmacy. In the context of alternative medicine, these are the products that your prescriber has deemed most appropriate for you – your prescription lineup may change over time as your therapeutic requirements evolve.
eScript:
An eScript, or electronic prescription, is a digital version of a traditional paper prescription. Your eScripts can be accessed conveniently on your phone, making the process more efficient and reducing the risk of losing or misplacing it.
Dispense Interval:
Your dispense interval is the period between when you receive your prescribed treatment and when you are eligible to receive a refill. This term is particularly important in managing your treatment schedule and ensuring continuous access to your medications or alternative therapies – all dispense intervals will be unique, just as every Patient is.
Titration:
Titration is the process of adjusting the dose of your treatment to achieve the desired effect while minimising side effects. In alternative medicine, this might involve gradually increasing or decreasing the amount of a prescription under the guidance of your healthcare provider until you reach the correct dose for therapeutic efficacy.
Dosing:
Dosing refers to the specific amount of a prescription that you should take. This can vary based on factors such as your age, weight, and overall health. Proper dosing is crucial to the effectiveness and safety of alternative therapies, and you should follow your prescriber’s guidance closely.
Therapeutic Window:
The therapeutic window is the range of dosages of a treatment that provides the desired effect without causing significant side effects. Finding this balance is essential for the success of your alternative therapy regimen, and your prescriber will guide you through this process.
Side Effects:
Side effects are unintended reactions or symptoms that may occur as a result of taking a prescription product. It’s important to be aware of any potential side effects and discuss them with your Doctor, as well as keep your own journal to log any side effects as you manage your dosing.
Bioavailability:
Bioavailability refers to the extent and rate at which the active ingredients of a treatment are absorbed into your bloodstream and become available at the intended site of action. Higher bioavailability means more of the treatment is effectively utilised by your body – this may be a helpful topic to bring up with your Doctor when they take you through your prescriptions.
Efficacy:
Efficacy is the ability of a treatment to produce the desired therapeutic effect. In the context of alternative medicine, it’s important to evaluate how well a particular therapy works for your condition. Your Doctor will work closely with you to determine the efficacy of your prescriptions over time and make any necessary adjustments.
As your experience and understanding of your alternative therapies plan expands and deepens, so too will your knowledge of common phrasing – in the meantime, keep this link handy for any upcoming Doctor consults, so you can always stay empowered and informed on your journey.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. For accurate legal guidance, please consult with relevant legal authorities or a qualified professional.