Medication Reviews
Now more than ever, British Columbians are taking control of their health by talking to their community pharmacist. Our pharmacists are medication experts that can help you better understand your medications.
If you have been prescribed at least five medications in the last six months and you are a BC resident with a valid BC Services Card, you may benefit from Medication Review Services. The aim of the service is to help British Columbians better understand their medications. When you understand your medications – from why you are taking them, when to take them, and how to best take them – you make informed decisions and have greater ownership of your overall health.
The service provides you with a one-on-one consultation with your pharmacist in a semi-private area of the pharmacy to discuss your prescription medications, as well as any over-the-counter meds, vitamins and natural health products you may also be taking (these are not included in the five medications required for eligibility). Your pharmacist will also provide you with a Best Possible Medication History, a form that lists all of your medications. You can use this form as a reminder to take your medications or share it with your family doctor or other health care professional.
Who should have a Medication Review?
BC patients that have been prescribed at least five medications in the last six months are eligible for the service. If you’ve just been discharged from the hospital with a list of prescriptions to fill or need help learning how to administer insulin injections, for example, your community pharmacist may recommend the service to help you better understand your meds.
My senior parent takes a lot of medications and I think he/she would benefit from the service. What do I do?
If your senior parent(s) has been prescribed at least five medications in the last six months, and is interested in better understanding his/her medications, he or she may be eligible. Talk to your parent and obtain his or her full consent before arranging an appointment with a pharmacist. Medication Review Services cannot be given without prior consent from the patient.
What can I expect from my medication review?
Your pharmacist will discuss the following:
- What medications you are taking
- Why you are taking them
- How to best take them
Your pharmacist will also:
- Provide you with a one-on-one appointment in a semi-private area of the pharmacy
- Review your medications, from what you are taking, why you are taking them, and how best to take them
- Provide you with a Best Possible Medication History to keep as a reminder for taking your medications, or to share with other health care professionals
- Make suggestions or recommendations to you about your medications or diet, if necessary.
Call us at 604-261-0333 to book your medication review with one of our qualified pharmacists.