People with Parkinson\u2019s disease are strongly advised to maintain\ndiscipline in taking their medication. Clinical pharmacist from the\nNational Brain Centre Hospital (RS PON), apt. Nurul Ulya, stressed that\nmedication adherence is crucial to prevent the worsening of motor\nsymptoms.<\/p>\n
Nurul explained that stopping medication arbitrarily can trigger a\nsignificant recurrence of symptoms. \u201cIf the medication is stopped, the\nsymptoms recur, muscles become stiff, joints are affected, so the\nParkinson\u2019s symptoms cannot be managed properly. So if possible, do not\nstop the medication,\u201d said Nurul during an online discussion\ncommemorating Parkinson\u2019s Day in Jakarta.<\/p>\n
Timeliness is the main key in Parkinson\u2019s therapy. Nurul detailed\nthat the frequency of taking medication must be adjusted according to\nthe doctor\u2019s instructions to keep drug levels in the body stable. If a\npatient accidentally misses a medication schedule, Nurul advised that\nthe medicine be taken immediately when remembered. However, the next\nschedule must be readjusted based on the time interval since the last\ndose.<\/p>\n
One important point highlighted is how to take levodopa. Nurul\nreminded that this medicine should be taken on an empty stomach so that\nits absorption is maximised. This is because levodopa can bind to\nprotein from food, which actually inhibits the effectiveness of the\ndrug.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt must be on an empty stomach. Levodopa will bind to food protein,\nso its absorption is disrupted. It is best taken 1 hour before eating or\n2 hours after eating,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n
For Parkinson\u2019s patients who use a nasogastric tube (NGT), it is\nhighly recommended to consult again with a doctor regarding which types\nof medicine may be crushed and which may not, to ensure therapy remains\noptimal.<\/p>\n
Adherence to medication schedules and routine check-ups with a doctor\nis expected to prevent the worsening of nerve conditions. With regular\ntherapy, Parkinson\u2019s patients have a great chance of returning to a\nnormal and productive routine.<\/p>\n
Nurul added that along with consistent improvement in symptoms, it is\npossible that the medication dose can be reduced by the doctor in the\nfuture. The key remains the patient\u2019s discipline in following the\nestablished treatment protocol.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/parkinsons-patients-advised-not-to-stop-medication-heres-why-1787755842", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }