Medication Reviews
A medication review is a meeting or video/ phone call with one of our Clinical Pharmacists to review and discuss your medicines. This is helpful for patients who take a lot of medication.
We want to support patients to be involved in making decisions about their medicines and this is an opportunity for you to ask questions and find out more about your medicines and check that you are getting the best from your medicines.
Why do I need a medication review?
Medicines are prescribed to treat symptoms or diseases, however sometimes your condition changes. We will check that your medicines are effective, that you're on the right dose and that they are not causing any problematic side-effects.
When you are prescribed medicines, you should know.
- Why you have been prescribed the medicine and how to take it
- Possible side effects
- How long to take the medicine for
- To check each medicine is safe to take in combination with your other medicines
What happens at a medication review?
The review is confidential and will involve gathering information from you and your medical record. You may also be asked some questions relating to the medicines you take, for example:
- Are you taking all your medicines?
- Do you know why you have been prescribed medicines?
- Can you take/use the medicine properly?
- Are you having any side effects from any of your medicines?
- Do you have any concerns about your medicines?
- Do you take or use any other medicines that you buy?
Our Clinical Pharmacists may suggest some changes to your medicines using the best available evidence, but you will be involved in the decision-making process.
During your review, please bring/ have in front of you all medicines that you are taking that have been prescribed by your GP practice.
Also bring/have in front of you any medicines you buy from the pharmacy, health shop or supermarket including herbal or homeopathic medicines, creams, painkillers, eye drops, nasal sprays, and vitamins. If someone helps you take your medicines, you are welcome to have them with you.
You may want to think about any questions, concerns, or suggestions you may have about your medicines and make a note of these before your review.