What does "on a pm basis" mean? (Medical)

[Kittii]

I've just received a letter from a consultant suggesting that I try taking my medication "on a pm basis". I've tried googling but not sure what this means. I don't think it means pm as in the afternoon as I'm meant to take it in the morning! Wondering if it means something like "as needed", which would make sense. Does anyone know for sure?

Yes I could ask my GP but don't fancy sitting on the phone for 2 hours...

Just a guess-permanent?

Perhaps whoever was typing has misheard 'PRN' which I believe means 'take only when needed'

PRN is as needed.

Does it say prn rather than pm? Prn basically means take as needed e.g. paracetamol or whatever as opposed to a specific 3 times a day.

Are you sure it says pm and not prn? The latter means 'as needed'

It’s likely to be a mistype and be on a prn basis in which case would be on an as needed basis.
If any concerns about a consultant letter though - should go back to consultant secretary rather than even considering Gp..

Why don't you take the letter to your pharmacist and see if they agree it can be taken as needed and that this was the intention? Or ring and check.

Could it be a typo for PRN basis? Thinking prn Vs pm? PRN I think means as needed.

It's almost certainly PRN not PM which means "as needed". But please check with the prescriber

I'd think it's prn, as per PPs, which means take as needed up to maximum daily dose. You could always pop into a pharmacy and check with a pharmacist, they should know and are usually good at deciphering doctors writing.

Thank you all so much. Yes prn makes a lot of sense in the context. Must have been a typo. I love mumsnet ❤