Services

Medicines Optimisation

To be effective, medicines must be taken as directed. Some medicines can be affected by food, drink or the time of day you take them. The Medicines Optimisation Team can help you get the best from your medication and minimise any side effects.

Medicines come in many different forms e.g. tablets, capsules, liquids, inhalers, drops, patches, creams, ointments, lotions, pessaries, suppositories and injections. These can include prescribed medicines, or those purchased from a pharmacy or supermarket. Prescribed medicines should only be used by the named individual they are prescribed for, and must not be shared with others.

Some medicines are taken by mouth, while others are applied to the body. Injections can be given by the patient themselves or a healthcare professional may administer these to the patient.

Medicines also include vitamins, minerals, herbal and homeopathic products. These are called complementary medicines, and are often taken in addition to prescribed medicines.

Contact

The Locala Medicines Optimisation Team can be contacted on 030 3003 4541

General Information

How a pharmacist can review your medication

Your local community pharmacy can arrange for you to have a Medicines use Review (MUR). This is a free service which allows you to talk about your medicines and address any concerns you may have. This is normally carried out on an annual basis. In addition your doctor or nurse may also review your medication in the GP practice.

Repeat prescribing from your GP

For patients established on regular medicines, your doctor may allow you to request repeat prescriptions without seeing a prescriber. This will normally be for set length of time, then you will be asked to visit the practice for a review.

It is important to allow at least 48 hours for the practice to process your request for a repeat prescription. The procedure will be explained in the practice booklet and by the practice staff.

Often your local community pharmacy can make arrangements to pick up your repeat prescription and dispense it for you. All you have to do is pick up the medicines from the pharmacy. If this is of interest to you speak to your pharmacist about this.

How to find a Pharmacy or Healthcare Service

The NHS Website has a list of all the local community pharmacies and health care providers.

Flu Vaccination

The Department of Health advises that certain groups of people receive an annual seasonal flu vaccination. These are offered to patients with certain pre-existing health conditions or patients who are in a defined situation e.g those living in long stay residential homes. Seasonal flu vaccinations are usually offered annually between September and early November (but may be later than this). These are free to those identified by the Department of Health.

Some Community Pharmacies can also supply and administer the flu vaccine to those who are not included in the Department of Health target groups. There will be a reasonable price charged for this service. Further information is available from your local pharmacy or see The NHS Website for a list of pharmacies in your area.

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