PRESCRIPTION RENEWAL POLICIES

Will my prescriptions be renewed forever or do I need to see Dr. Donovan?

Prescriptions are valid for varying lengths of times. They are not renewed indefinitely. If you are prescribed a ‘new’ immunosuppressant medication, Dr. Donovan will need to see you every 4-6 months to know that the medication is safe and that it is working. In this case, your prescription will be valid for about 4-6 months. You will need to see Dr. Donovan if you wish the medication to be renewed by him If you have been on the immunosuppressant medication for many months and your blood tests are normal and you are not having any side effects, Dr. Donovan will likely renew the medication for a much longer period of time (i.e. 6-12 months and maybe even longer). However, once that interval expires, you will need to see Dr. Donovan again for follow up if you wish the medication to be renewed. This is to ensure your safety.

For other medications which act over a longer period of time, such as finasteride, spironolactone or minoxidil, prescriptions are valid for 9-15 months depending on the patient and how their condition is responding to treatment. If the hair loss is responding well and there are no side effects recorded at the time of the second appointment, a longer prescription renewal may be given (possibly up to 24 months). If a patient wishes the prescription to be renewed after that point by Dr. Donovan they will need to book a follow up appointment to review. Dr. Donovan will not renew the prescription without a follow up appointment.