Overview

This information is for people taking medicines to understand what support is available.

Many people take more than 1 medicine to manage their health. Medicines can include tablets, capsules, liquids, creams, eye drops or injections.

When you take more than 1 medicine, it can sometimes be complicated to manage them. It's not always easy to remember what medicine you take for which condition, and when to take them. You might have side effects but not know which medicine has caused the problem. It might also be difficult to tell if problems are because of the medicine, or are a symptom of your condition.

Even vitamins, supplements, and natural, herbal or homeopathic products that you buy from a shop or pharmacy can affect how your prescribed medicines work. Always check with your pharmacist before starting any new medicines.

The NHS website has information about specific medicines on their medicines A to Z.

Tips to manage your medicines

It's important to take medicines safely but it can be more difficult to do this when you take many different medicines. The following tips can help.

Reviewing your medicines

It's important to review the medicines you take every year to make sure they're still right for you. You might need a review:

• every 6 to 12 months if you take a few different medicines
• at least every year if you have long-term conditions, or if you’re older and at a greater risk of side effects or falls

The aim of the medicine review is to check if:

• the amount of medicine that you take (the dose) still helps you
• you have any side effects
• you can take the medicines safely and effectively
• you have support if you need it (such as help organising or swallowing tablets)

Depending on which medicines you take, you might also have blood tests or blood-pressure checks to make sure they are safe and effective. You should always go to any monitoring appointments you are offered.

Arranging a medicine review

The medicine review is usually done by a pharmacist from your GP practice but can sometimes be done by another healthcare professional.

Sometimes your GP practice might might contact you to arrange a medicine review. However, you can also ask your GP practice for a review, if you feel you need it, at any time. This can be important if you think some medicines are giving you side effects.

What to expect

Your medicine review might be on the phone, online, or in person. It might be with a pharmacist or a GP. To prepare, you should:

• have a list of all the medicines you take (including vitamins and supplements, and any herbal or homeopathic remedies)
• have a note of any medicines you have stopped taking and why
• write down any questions you would like to ask
• have any recent hospital or discharge letters about your medicines 

The pharmacist will let you know what will happen next and if you need a follow up appointment.

Asking about new medicines

If you're prescribed a new medicine, you should have the chance to ask questions. It's important that you understand:

• what the medicine is for and how it works
• how and when to take the medicine
• what side effects you might get, and what to do if you get them

If you're staying in hospital, you can talk to someone in your ward pharmacist or healthcare team. If you're at home, your GP or community pharmacist can help.

Our medicines helpline is here to support you if you were prescribed medicines at our hospitals and have questions about your medicines.

We have a list of questions that you can ask about your medicines.

Taking your medicines as prescribed

Taking your medicines regularly and as directed helps them to work as they are meant to.

Many people forget doses or find it hard to take medicines exactly as prescribed. That’s normal, and there is help available.

If you find it difficult to manage your medicines, you can:

• talk to your GP or pharmacist. They can suggest easier options (for example, 1-a-day tablets, liquid forms, or reminder tools)
• ask about repeat dispensing or home delivery if you struggle to collect prescriptions
• use a medicine reminder, such as a mobile phone alarm or weekly pill organiser.

Do not stop taking any of your medicines or change the dose without checking with your doctor or a pharmacist.

Being open about what works for you helps your healthcare team support you better.

Support from your pharmacy

Some local pharmacies offer free services to help you manage your medicines.

The NHS website has more information about how your pharmacy can help.

New Medicine Service (NMS)

If you have started a new medicine, your pharmacist can offer extra help. This includes advice on side effects, when to take your medicine, and how to fit it into your daily routine.

Discharge medicine service

If you have been discharged from hospital, your community pharmacist can review your medicines with you. They’ll explain any changes made during your hospital stay, and check that you understand how to take your medicines safely. For more details, visit your local pharmacy or read the NHS information about how your pharmacy can help.

Read more about the discharge medicine service.

Getting extra support

You’re not alone in managing your medicines.

• Your GP or pharmacist can help with any questions about your medicines.
• Community pharmacists can give advice, medicine reviews, and checks when you start new medicines.
• Practice nurses or community nursing teams can support you if you have difficulty swallowing or injecting medicines.
• If you’re a carer, ask your pharmacist about carer-friendly packaging or support services.
• Many areas offer medicines support services, healthy-living pharmacies, or Age UK advice. Ask your GP practice or pharmacist what is available locally.

Storing and disposing of medicines

• Store medicines in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Keep medicines out of the reach of children.
• Return unused medicines to your pharmacy for safe disposal.
• Do not share your medicines with anyone else.

Travelling with medicines

When travelling, keep medicines in their original packaging with your name on the label. Carry a list of your medicines and doses, and pack them in your hand luggage if you are flying.