Frequently asked questions
Important information about medication and check-ups
We have made two important changes to the way we work: we now use the text message service Sendi, and we have changed the way we prescribe medication and carry out the related check-ups.
ADHD medication (methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, etc.)
• ADHD medication for adults counts as ‘off-label’ use and must be monitored carefully.
• You must make a check-up appointment at least once a year. Your blood pressure will also be measured at this appointment.
• If you forget your check-up, you will receive a reminder via the UwZorgOnline app (our patient app).
• If you do not come for a check-up for a long time, we cannot continue to prescribe your medication.
• More information: Thuisarts ADHD medication
Antidepressants (sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, etc.)
• Once your medication is properly adjusted, we ask you to have a check-up (possibly by phone) at least once a year.
• We discuss your symptoms, any side effects and whether you should continue taking the medication.
• Never stop taking antidepressants suddenly, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms. Always talk to your GP first.
• If you do not come for a check-up for a long time, we cannot continue to prescribe your medication.
• More information: Leaflet about antidepressants
Medicines for diabetes
• Depending on your situation, we ask you to come for a check-up 1 to 4 times a year.
• You will receive an invitation from STAR (the laboratory) for a blood test 1 to 4 times a year.
• After the blood test, you make an appointment yourself with our practice nurse Jettie Laarman.
• Without regular check-ups, we cannot continue to prescribe your medication.
Medicines for high blood pressure
• You will receive an invitation from STAR (the laboratory) for a blood test once a year.
• After the blood test, you schedule a check-up appointment yourself with our practice nurse Jettie Laarman.
• At least once a year, we measure your blood pressure and review your medication. If you wish, you can pass on your readings digitally via the doctor's assistant.
• If necessary, we adjust your medication or treatment.
Medicines for chronic pain (morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, naproxen, diclofenac, etc.)
• At least once a year, we ask you to have a check-up (possibly by phone).
• We discuss your symptoms, whether you still need the medication and whether we can reduce it.
• Without a check-up, we cannot continue to prescribe your medication.
• More information: Strong painkillers and Stopping painkillers.
Hormones for menopausal symptoms
• At least once a year, we ask you to have a check-up (possibly by phone).
• We discuss your symptoms, any side effects and whether you still need the medication.
• Without a check-up, we cannot continue to prescribe your medication.
• More information: Hormones during the menopause
Thyroid medication
• Once your medication is properly adjusted, we ask you to contact us at least once a year.
• You will then receive a referral for a blood test at STAR (the laboratory).
• After the test, we check whether your medication is still working well.
• If you have symptoms or your health changes, we adjust your medication if necessary.
Medicines for sleep problems
• Medication for sleep problems works less well with long-term use and can be addictive.
• We are happy to help you with a plan to reduce the medication gradually.
• At least once a year, we ask you to have a check-up (possibly by phone).
• Without a check-up, we cannot continue to prescribe your medication.
Other long-term medication
• For some medicines it is important to have regular check-ups, for example of your kidney function.
• It may also be necessary to adjust your medication when new medicines are added or when your health changes.
• Often nobody checks whether long-term medication is still needed.
• That is why you may receive an invitation for a check-up (by phone or online).
• We will then discuss your symptoms, any side effects and whether you still need the medication.
What if you do not make a check-up appointment?
• You will receive a reminder by phone, via the UwZorgOnline app (our patient app) or by text message via Sendi.
• Without a check-up, we cannot continue to prescribe your medication.
• This way of working ensures that your use of medication remains safe and responsible.
• Do you have any questions? Feel free to contact our practice.
Why this change?
We want to offer all our patients good and safe care. If you use medicines, it is important that we regularly check whether they are still effective and safe for you.
What does this mean for you?
- Depending on your medication, we will ask you to make a check-up appointment.
- This may be an appointment at the practice or a telephone consultation.
- In some cases, you may in future also be able to have your check-up online, for example with an online questionnaire.
This way we make sure that you continue to use your medicines safely and in line with the guidelines. Do you take long-term medication that needs to be checked regularly? Then you will have received an email from us about this.
Text message service Sendi
Via the text message service Sendi you may receive a text message from us with a direct link to information, a short questionnaire or an answer to your question.
Below you will find an overview of the medicines covered by this policy.
More about practice and procedures
Contact
Practice: 010 452 77 92
Mon–Fri 8:00 – 17:00
Evenings, nights and weekends:
Huisartsenpost SFG 010 466 95 73
Life-threatening: call 112
Questions or need an appointment?
Call the practice on weekdays between 8:00 and 17:00, or book an appointment yourself via Uw Zorg Online. For urgent matters outside opening hours, call the out-of-hours GP service (huisartsenpost).