Medications

Medication information may help you build up a picture of an individual’s condition and probability of any symptoms.

 It may or may not be a guide as to the severity of symptoms.

Medication information on its own should not be used to reach a decision. Any apparent inconsistencies should usually be explored with an individual or through supporting information.

Medication information examples

1. Ibuprofen 200mg - Take 2 tablets four times a day
2. Co-codamol 30/500mg – Take 2 tablets twice a day
3. Indapamide 2.5mg - Take 1 tablet once a day
4. Metalazone 0.5mg – Take 1 tablet daily
5. Haliperadol 100mg – Injection every 4 weeks

When considering medication information, it is useful to understand:

• the name of the drug which may be the brand name (name given by the company) or the generic name (name of the medication as it was originally produced). This may be used to support confirmation of any conditions described by an individual. It can also help a case manager to explore any conditions an individual may not have described in their application.
• dose describes the strength of the medication being taken by an individual. This may or may not support confirmation of the severity of any symptoms described by the individual in their application. Any apparent inconsistencies should usually be explored with an individual or through supporting information.
• if the medication is prescribed by a health professional
• the method that an individual uses to take medication, for example, orally or via an injection. This information will be particularly useful in assessing a person’s ability to manage therapy or monitor a health condition in applications, where a lack of detail has been provided for the corresponding functional needs question.
• The frequency that the medication is taken

Case discussions

If you are in doubt about interpreting medication information you may seek support, via the case discussion process.

A practitioner will be able to advise on:

• whether medication is consistent with stated needs
• likely side effects
• how combinations of different medications interact with one another and resulting effects