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Medication Advice

Understanding your Medicines

It is important that you, or someone who helps you, understands your medicines so you can get the best out of them. Make sure you know:

  • The names of your medicines
  • What you use them for
  • When and how to use them
  • Which of your medicines are essential, and which are to be used only when needed
  • Possible side effects

Some products may be harmful if taken in conjunction with certain medicines. Your GP or Community Pharmacist will be able to advise you of the effects the following may have on your medicines:

  • Complementary and alternative remedies
  • Herbal products
  • Over the counter medicines (these are medicines which can be purchased without the need for a prescription, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, which can be bought in pharmacies, supermarkets and other shops).

Remember:

  • Always read the information leaflet that comes with your medicines
  • Ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse for advice if you are unsure about your medicines, or call NHS 111 Wales on 0845 46 47
  • Don’t share your medicines with others and don’t take anyone else’s medicines. Your medicines were especially chosen to suit your needs – sharing medicines with family and friends can be very dangerous.

It is useful to carry an up-to-date list of the names, doses and times you take your medicines so that it can help clinicians make assessments if you are admitted to hospital or need to access other healthcare services. 

Regular Review of your Medicines

Repeat Medication Review

If you are taking regular medication, you will be required on occasion to attend your GP surgery for a review to ensure that your treatment is as safe as possible. It is extremely important that you attend these check-ups so your condition and be monitored and your medication reviewed in order to ensure we are doing our best to keep you in good health.

A Medication Review is important to check:

  • Your medicines are working properly and you are taking them as prescribed
  • You are not suffering any side effects
  • You are taking the most appropriate medicines for your problems

The review will also help your GP to ensure that any blood pressure checks, asthma reviews or blood tests are up to date.

For more information please read the Guide to Medication Review leaflet.

Community Pharmacy Medicines Use Review (MUR)

If you regularly take more than one prescription medicine and/or you are taking medicines for a long term illness (like asthma, arthritis, diabetes or epilepsy) you may be invited by your Community Pharmacist to receive a Medicines Use Review (MUR). This is an appointment with a Community Pharmacist to focus on how you are getting on with your medicines. It usually takes place in a confidential area of your local pharmacy (chemist). It is an NHS service – you don't need to pay for it.

For more information please read the Medicines Use Review: Understand Your Medicines leaflet.

Disposal of Unwanted Medicines 

Medicines taken back to a pharmacy cannot be used again; even if they have not been opened, but it is dangerous to save medicines that are no longer needed. They should always be returned to the pharmacy for safe disposal.

In North Wales 29 tonnes of medicines are collected for destruction each year worth about £3.5 million.

There are things you can do to help your NHS:

STOP before you request your medicines 

THINK about what medicines you really need to order

GO ahead – order what you need. Remember to always....

CHECK your medicines before leaving the pharmacy

By only ordering what you need, and not stockpiling medicines, you will reduce the risk of:

  • Accidentally taking a medicine that has been stopped or changed
  • Taking medicines that have gone out of date
  • Medicines getting into the wrong hands

Reducing the amount of wasted medicines will mean more money is available for patient care.