Step 2: Identify essential drug therapy

Identify essential drugs (not to be stopped without specialist advice)

• Drugs that have essential replacement functions (e.g. levothyroxine)
• Drugs to prevent rapid symptomatic decline (e.g. drugs for Parkinson’s disease, heart failure)

• Separate the list of medicines which the patient is taking
• Ensure patient understand the importance of essential drug therapy
• All medication whether herbal, prescribed or traditional remedies should be included