Polypharmacy Review: Making Medicines Personal

BACK TO MAIN INDEX

Information for patients and carers

 

What is a Medicines Review?

 A medicines review is a meeting to talk about all of your medicines with a clinical pharmacist.

 

Why do I need a review?

When you are first prescribed a medicine it is usually the best one for you, but things can change over time:

 • You might have developed a side effect

 • Your health may have changed. A change in your health could be a new medical condition or a change in a condition you already have

Any of these reasons, as well as others, can mean a specific medicine might not be right for you anymore. There are many people who need to take a number of medicines for different reasons. A review will help you to do this in the safest way possible.

 How you feel about your medicines and how they are working is important, and you will remain the key decision maker about what medicines you take, with support from your healthcare professional.

 

What Happens at a Review?

•             Discuss what each medicine is for

•             Talk about any side effects

•             Review how your medicines fit into your daily life

•             Consider any changes that might help you feel better

You’re welcome to bring a family member or friend for support.

What to Bring

•             All your medicines (including vitamins and herbal remedies)

•             Any questions or concerns

•             Your completed questionnaire (see below)

 

Before Your Review

Download Pre-Review Questionnaire (PDF)

You can complete the questionnaire on a computer or phone, or download and print them to bring with you to your appointment. Paper copies are also available at reception.

 This form helps you think about what you want to understand better, any side effects, and how your medicines affect your daily life.

 

Helpful Resources

•             Manage My Meds – NHS Scotland Toolkit

•             NHS Inform

•             Download the Polypharmacy App from the App Store or Google Play

 

Ageing Well in East Lothian

Staying active and connected is an important part of healthy ageing. In East Lothian, there are many opportunities to get involved:

•             Health & Wellbeing Walks: Weekly walks for all ages and abilities. A great way to stay active and meet others.

•             Ageing Well Activities: Join local groups for yoga, singing, walking football, and more.

These activities support physical and mental wellbeing and are open to everyone in the community.