Medication Review

What Is a Medication Review?

A medication review is a friendly, professional conversation with a healthcare expert, usually a Pharmacist, Pharmacy Technician or GP, designed to make sure the medicines you take are working well for you. During this review, they look at all the medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over‑the‑counter treatments, and supplements, to make sure everything is safe, effective, and still needed.

Medication reviews are especially helpful for people with long‑term conditions or those taking several medicines, as they can reduce side effects, prevent interactions, and ensure you’re getting the best possible benefit from your treatment.

Key Aspects of a Medication Review

Purpose

To help you get the most from your medicines while reducing risks such as side effects, drug interactions, or unnecessary treatments.

Frequency

Most people with long‑term conditions or repeat prescriptions should have a medication review once a year.

Process

It’s a conversation‑based appointment, either in person or over the phone. The clinician will talk with you about how you’re getting on, check your medical records, and make sure each medicine is being used appropriately.

Outcomes

A review may lead to:
– Adjusting doses
– Stopping medicines that are no longer needed
– Improving your understanding of how and when to take your medicines
– Addressing any concerns or side effects you may have

When Medication Reviews Are Especially Useful

After a hospital stay, to ensure your GP has the most up‑to‑date information
When checking whether long‑term medicines, such as blood pressure tablets or anti‑inflammatories, are still needed
If you’re experiencing side effects
When managing multiple or complex prescriptions to improve safety and reduce unnecessary medicines

How Our Medication Review Process Works at Orchard Surgery

To help keep your medicines safe, effective, and right for you, our clinical Pharmacists and Technicians carry out annual medication reviews. Here’s how the process works.

When You’ll Hear From Us

Around three months after your birth month, you’ll receive a text message with a link to complete your Medication Review Form. For example:

If your birthday is in January, you’ll receive the form in April.

We do this because your annual physical health check (with a nurse or HCA) takes place during your birth month. The results of that check may lead to changes in your medication or dosage.

Why Is There A 3 Month Gap

If your medicines are changed, it can take up to three months to make sure everything settles and is working well for you. This timeframe varies depending on the type of medication and your individual needs.

Allowing this gap between your physical check and your medication review ensures:

Any changes have had time to take effect
Your test results are up to date
You can complete the form accurately and comfortably

About the Medication Review Form

The form is designed to be simple and helpful. It asks key questions such as:

How you take your medicines
Whether they are working well for you
If you’re experiencing any side effects
Anything you’d like to discuss or change

You can also add extra information if something needs more explanation.

What Happens Next

If something needs a closer look: If you’ve raised a concern or the clinician needs more information, they will contact you. You can choose a face‑to‑face, telephone, or online consultation.

If everything is stable: The pharmacist or pharmacy technician will review your answers and your latest test results. If all is well, they will re-authorise your medication for the next year.