What is a Med-Review?

Med-Review is a free service to our regular patients where you meet with one of our pharmacists to talk about your medicines on a one-to-one basis. This includes all prescription medicines and any medicines you may have purchased over the counter.

We will also ask some general questions as this will help us offer you the best possible advice, enabling you to get the most from the medicines you are taking.

All older people and those taking medication for long-term conditions should have a regular check-up of their medicines. 

Med-Review gives you the chance to:

Ask questions about your medicine.

Discuss any worries or problems you may have.

Tell us how your medicines affect your lifestyle.

Discuss ways to help you to take your medicines correctly.

Who carries out my Med-Review?

Your Med-Review will be carried our by one of our pharmacists who are trained in how medicines work and how best to manage them.

Why should I have a Med-Review?

Your Med-Review aims to help you better understand the medicines you are taking, how they work and what they do.

Lots of people take medicines, mostly without side effects or any concerns. However, certain groups of people may benefit from having an annual Med-Review:

People taking prescription medicines on a regular basis

People taking medicines for long term conditions such as asthma, epilepsy or arthritis.

People over 65 years of age.

Medicines can sometimes cause side-effects such as headaches, shortage of breath or rashes. It is possible for one medicine to affect another and cause side effects. The aim of your Med-Review is to ensure that all the medicines you are taking are correct for you and work together as they should. We look at whether you should be taking fewer medicines or if you may need to change any of your medicines. A copy of your Med-Review is sent to your GP who will review any suggested changes with you.

Where will my Med-Review take place?

Your Med-Review can either be carried out at Weedle Pharmacy in one of our private consultation rooms or, in some circumstances, in your own home. You are more than welcome to have a friend or family member with you.

What should I do to prepare for my Med-Review?

As each Med-Review usually lasts between 20-30 minutes, depending on individual circumstances, you will need to make an appointment in advance. If you have booked a Med-Review and the date and time are no longer convenient, please let us know as soon as possible and we will re-arrange your appointment.

To help you get the most out of your Med-Review, please complete the special Med-Review form showing all of the medicines you are currently taking. This should include both prescription medicines and also any medicines purchased over the counter including herbal medicines and those purchased in a supermarket. Please be as honest as possible when filling in the form – the more honest you are, the more we can help you. If you find filling in the form a problem, don’t worry, we will fill it in with you.

Along with the completed form, it would also be useful if you could bring your repeat prescription with you, if you have one. Please bring in ALL of your medicines e.g. tablets, capsules, drops, sprays, inhalers, nebulas, sachets, suppositories, creams and lotions etc. Also, please bring in any medicines that you buy regularly over the counter e.g. herbal remedies, multivitamins, homeopathic remedies. Please think about any questions you may wish to ask during the Med-Review or any concerns you may wish to raise.

What will happen during my Med-Review?

Our pharmacist will discuss your medicines with you and find out how much you understand about them and how you take them, any difficulties you have in taking them and how best to overcome any side-effects you may find inconvenient. You may also be asked more general questions so that our pharmacist can build up as full a picture as possible in order to help you as best they can. You will also have the chance to ask our pharmacist any questions you may have about your medicines including what they do, how to remember to take them, what side effects might be experienced etc.

What happens after my Med-Review?

After your Med-Review, the pharmacist may make some recommendations to you and your G.P. about your medicines and these will be fully discussed with you.

The pharmacist will also offer information and provide leaflets about what your medicines do, what they are for and will suggest ways to help you remember to take them.

You will get a copy of the Med-Review to take home with you. We will also keep a copy of your Med-Review for future reference. A copy will be sent directly to your GP.

Although we recommend you have a Med-Review every 12 months, never be afraid to contact one of our pharmacists if you experience any problems with your medicines.