As an alternative medicine Patient, and within a burgeoning industry here in Australia, there are a wide range of delivery methods and forms that your prescription can take. Choice is a fantastic thing, but it’s essential to strike the delicate balance between experimenting with different options to find what works and sticking with a routine and prescription(s) that effectively manage your unique symptoms and conditions.
Let’s look at some important considerations to keep in mind when navigating your own path:
Your Doctor’s guidance & advice
First and foremost is finding a prescriber with whom you can have an honest, productive and open line of communication with. It is essential to feel you can trust your Doctor’s opinions and insights, and if you do not feel you have a functional and working Doctor-Patient relationship with your current prescriber, it may be time to review other options.
From your initial appointment, be open and flexible to follow your Doctor’s guidance – even if you’ve been medicating via non-legal means previously, your Doctor will want to ensure you’re titrating low and slow and may start you on a leaner number of prescriptions or repeats to ensure they can monitor and adjust according to how they manage your symptoms.
By appreciating that your Doctor is creating a tailored health care plan for you, you can feel less concern about “missing out” on other products that you may have researched yourself. Feel comfortable sharing specific requests with your Doctor if you have a specific product or brand in mind, but be mindful that not every medication will suit all Patients.
Consistency is key
With any health plan, consistency is helpful to accurately assess dosing, efficacy, side-effects and beyond – this is why it is essential to stick with your prescribed routine and products for an agreed-upon period with your Doctor. For some Patients, this may mean 3-months of consistent use before their next consult, for others, it may be a shorter window to assess success.
Ultimately, switching up your prescription medication too often can lead to less clarity over what works for you, and what doesn’t. Consider using a titration journal or download our handy Farma Patient Journal & Dosing Log PDF here, where you can monitor your own dosing and use these notes as helpful prompts for your next consult.
The ‘new’ halo
In a world where healthcare intersects with culture, there are plenty of Patients who are passionate about this type of alternative medicine and are across new products landing on the market each month. Aim to balance your enthusiasm or interest to try new products with a clear understanding of why you have been prescribed a certain type of medicine, which begins with communicating clearly with your prescriber.
As always, feel confident requesting information about new products, but don’t jump ship from your plan just because you’ve seen some flashy product imagery online. Do your research, speak with your Doctor and clinic team, and of course, always manage your prescriptions in line with your budget.
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.