Managing your child’s Neurology medication

We want to ensure a successful beginning with medication for your child. When your child starts new medication, you will be given information about possible side effects and will be asked to monitor how it is working. If you have any concerns, please contact the team directly at the clinic, in writing via email on CHQ_Neurosciences@health.qld.gov.au. If your child needs immediate attention, present to your GP or your local emergency department.

Ongoing care with your GP

Once the medication dosage for your child is stable, your child’s specialist will send a letter to your GP about your child’s medication dose. Most medications that are listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) can be prescribed by your GP. Discuss with your GP to confirm that he/she is happy to continue to prescribe this medication.

If you change GPs, your new doctor will be able to see the recommended dose via the online Queensland Health platform known as The Viewer.

Getting your child’s medication

Your local community pharmacy is best placed to ensure that you get your child’s medication in time. Some pharmacies even have Apps which remind you when your child’s script is due to be refilled. Others can store the script, so it doesn’t get lost. Community pharmacies also offer blister-packing services, to help your family to stay on track with giving your child’s medication.

Certain medications are only available through the hospital pharmacy or are more cost-effective at the hospital pharmacy. Special approvals may be needed to order in and supply these medications. The pharmacists at QCH will be able to confirm which, if any, of your child's medications fall into this category.

Tip: Speak to your community pharmacy about the best option for you and your family. Always keep an eye out for your child’s last repeat, and make sure you book a GP appointment within the next month to seek new scripts. Using the same pharmacy consistently will help to keep all of your prescription records up to date.

Frequently asked questions

Q. What if I have concerns about the medication?

A. Your pharmacist can answer many questions about what to expect when using new medications. Pharmacists can give advice on how to prepare and give the medication to your child and provide written information about side effects and things to look out for. If you’re concerned about your child’s response to the medication, contact your child’s specialist at the clinic, or via the hospital switchboard 3068 2880 during business hours. If your child needs immediate attention, present to your GP or your local emergency department.

Q. What if I’m running low on medication, and I don’t have any new scripts?

A. Contact your GP to discuss the situation. It is very important you don’t run out of medication as you may not be able to obtain a new script or supply on short notice. In some situations, an emergency supply of medication (3 days’ supply) may be provided, at the discretion of the GP and your regular pharmacy. Both the doctor and pharmacist will need to have recent records of your child’s medication details to proceed with this. You will still need to get a new script to be able to pick up the rest of the medication supply.

Q. What if my GP doesn’t have the letter from the paediatric specialist?

A. Your GP can access it on the online Queensland Health platform (The VIEWER).

Tip: It helps when you keep your child’s information including scripts and doctor’s letters in one place (whether this is scanned/saved into a cloud-based system or the My Health Record or as hard copies). Some families have found having a folder with all this important information helpful for their child’s medical appointments, school or NDIS meetings, or when travelling.

Q. What if I lose the initial hard copy of my child’s script?

A. Check in your child’s folder of important medical information first, and if not there, contact your GP for a new script.

Tip: Keep your child’s scripts safe and easy to find. Your GP may be able to send an eScript directly to your mobile phone, to take to your community pharmacy for dispensing. (This technology is not currently available for hospital scripts.)

Q. What if my GP does not feel confident writing my child’s script?

A. You may like to find another GP that has more experience/skills in this area.

More information

Contact us

Neurology Department (6C)

Level 6, Queensland Children’s Hospital

501 Stanley Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101

t 07 3068 2880

e CHQ_Neurosciences@health.qld.gov.au

Developed by the Neurology and Pharmacy Service, Queensland Children’s Hospital. We acknowledge the input of consumers and carers.

Resource ID: FS245 Reviewed:  January 2024

Disclaimer: This information has been produced by healthcare professionals as a guideline only and is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your child’s doctor or healthcare professionals. Information is updated regularly, so please check you are referring to the most recent version. Seek medical advice, as appropriate, for concerns regarding your child’s health.

Last updated: February 2024