Information about Shared Care Medications

Rural Rother PCN has developed the following information leaflet for people on shared cared Medication. 

Please click the link below to download the leaflet, or continue reading this page

Patient Information Leaflet for Shared Care Agreement v2

Patient Information Leaflet for Shared Care Agreement

You have been given this leaflet because your specialist medicine requires a Shared Care Agreement. Common examples include medicines for ADHD, heart conditions, or the immune system (see Appendix for list of medicine). Because these medicines need extra checks and monitoring, your specialist and GP must formally agree to share your care.

What is a shared care agreement?

It is a signed, formal plan between you, your consultant or hospital specialist, and your GP. It allows your GP, instead of the hospital, to provide your prescriptions and checks.

How does shared care work?

For shared care to be safe, everyone must follow the plan:

Your Specialist will:

  • Start your treatment and make sure the dose is right for you
  • Ask your GP to take over the prescribing when you are stable
  • See you for regular specialist reviews (at least once a year)
Your GP will:

  • Take over your prescriptions once the agreement is signed
  • Check your test results to make sure it is safe to keep giving you the medicine

 

 

You agree to:

  • Take your medicine as prescribed
  • Attend appointments at least once a year with your specialist and keep up to date with all monitoring and blood tests.
  • Cancel and rearrange appointments in good time
  • Report any suspected side effects to your GP or specialist

Why might a GP refuse to prescribe?

GPs must follow strict safety rules. A GP may ask the hospital to take over your prescription again if:

  • You do not attend your appointments or required monitoring and blood tests
  • The specialist has not sent the GP the necessary information
  • The medicine is no longer suitable for you

If you haven’t got a Shared Care Agreement, your GP surgery will contact your specialist to set one up. If they do not respond after three attempts, your care will be transferred back to the hospital to ensure you stay safe.

What happens if my circumstances change or if I change GP practice?

If you move to a new GP practice, you will need a new agreement. Tell your specialist and your new practice manager as soon as possible to make sure your treatment is not interrupted. Let your GP or your specialist know if your circumstances change (e.g., plans for pregnancy)

Appendix

List of medicines require a Shared Care Agreement (not limited to):

  • Amiodarone
  • Apomorphine
  • Atomoxetine
  • Azathioprine
  • Ciclosporin
  • Cinacalcet
  • Clomipramine
  • Dexamfetamine
  • Dronedarone
  • Fluoxetine
  • Guanfacine
  • Hydroxychloroquine
  • Leflunomide
  • Liothyronine
  • Lisdexamfetamine
  • Lithium
  • Mercaptopurine
  • Methotrexate
  • Methylphenidate
  • Mexiletines
  • Modafinil
  • Mycophenolate
  • Rifaximin
  • Riluzole
  • Sativex
  • Sodium oxybate
  • Sustanon
  • Valproate
  • Venlafaxine XL
  • Medicine used in gender dysphoria

Please click on the link below to download a copy of the leaflet

Patient Information Leaflet for Shared Care Agreement v2

 

Date published: 30th March, 2026
Date last updated: 27th May, 2026