AboutNigel Simmons Expertise I am happy to answer general questions on medicines and hospital care. If possible, please use approved / chemical names rather than brands which are not internationally recognised.
Like all health professionals I am bound by a duty of care which prevents me giving detailed information about medication or treatment of people other than the questioner.
I will endeavour to help wherever possible or point towards more appropriate advice. If however your question crosses too far into patient confidentiality, I hope you will understand why I cannot answer your question.
Consider.. would you want me to discuss your care with a friend or relative without your knowledge?
Experience Registered as a UK pharmacist in 1982 and have worked in a number of hospital and health management posts around the UK. Formerly Chief Pharmacist for a 440 bed general hospital in Cambridgeshire.
Past/Present clients Previously Sysop on CompuServe UK Professionals forum.
Question hi i would like to know.. what questions would you ask as a uk pharmacist, to a patient requesting glucosamine? i.e What would you ask them before giving them glucosamine.. such as would you ask 'are you glucose intolerant?' 'What other meds are you on?'
and a brief note on why you would ak these questions
Answer Mo
The general practice in the UK is to lead a patient through the WWHAM Questions whenever they are asking for advice about a medication.
WWHAM
W Who is the medicine for?
W What is the medicine for?
H How long have the symptoms been present?
A Action already taken
M Medicines taken for other reasons, prescribed or otherwise?
Depending on the answers the patient gives, the pharmacist will seek further information or provide appropriate advice.
As glucosamine may affect blood sugar levels, diabetic patients should be warned about the possible risks and ideally referred to their doctor for advice before commencing self-treatment.
