What Is a Medication Review and Why It Matters
A medication review matters because it's a chance to sit down with a healthcare professional and check that your medicines are still doing what they should, that you're taking them correctly, and that there are no problems. If you take regular medication — whether it's one tablet a day or several — a medication review is one of the most important things you can do for your health.
Many Wakefield residents are invited to have medication reviews but aren't entirely sure what they involve or why they're important. Here's what you need to know.
What Is a Medication Review?
A medication review is a structured conversation between you and a healthcare professional — usually your pharmacist or GP — about all the medicines you're currently taking. This includes:
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter products you buy yourself
- Vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies
- Creams, inhalers, eye drops, and any other treatments
The purpose is straightforward: to make sure that every medicine you take is still necessary, effective, safe, and being used correctly. This includes checking whether you're actually taking them in the way they're supposed to be taken.
Why Medication Reviews Matter
Medication reviews matter for several important reasons.
Your health changes over time. The medication that was right for you two years ago may not be the best option today. Your health, weight, other conditions, and lifestyle can all change — and your medication should keep pace. If you've recently recovered from an illness, experienced a significant life change, or started a new medication, a medication review is a good time to reconsider whether your current medicines still make sense.
Interactions between medicines. If you take multiple medications, there's a real chance that some of them could interact with each other. A medication review checks for potential interactions and ensures your medicines are working together safely. The Electronic Medicines Compendium lists interaction data for every licensed UK product — it's what we use to make sure combinations are safe.
Side effects. Some side effects develop gradually and can be easy to overlook. A medication review gives you the chance to discuss any symptoms you've been experiencing — fatigue, dizziness, changes in appetite, memory problems — and explore whether they might be related to your medication. Sometimes what feels like normal aging is actually a side effect that can be managed.
Simplifying your routine. Taking multiple medications can be confusing, especially if the instructions differ. A medication review can sometimes identify opportunities to simplify your routine — for example, by combining doses, switching to a once-daily formulation, or adjusting times so everything fits more easily into your day.
Getting the full benefit. If you're not taking a medication correctly — perhaps at the wrong time of day, with the wrong food, or at an inconsistent schedule — you may not be getting the full benefit. A review helps identify and correct these issues, which is particularly important for older adults managing long-term conditions.
When to Have a Medication Review
The NHS generally recommends that anyone taking regular medication has a review at least once a year. However, you may need more frequent reviews if:
- You've recently started a new medication
- Your health has changed significantly
- You've been in hospital
- You're experiencing side effects
- You take a large number of different medications
- You have complex health needs
Your GP or pharmacist may invite you for a review, but you can also request one at any time if you have concerns. There's no such thing as too frequent if you're worried about your medication. Even care home residents who receive regular pharmacy support benefit from structured medication reviews.
What Happens During a Medication Review
A typical medication review involves:
- Gathering information — your pharmacist or GP will ask about all the medicines you're currently taking, including anything you buy over the counter
- Discussing how things are going — are your medicines working? Are you experiencing any problems or side effects?
- Checking your understanding — do you know what each medicine is for and how to take it?
- Reviewing the evidence — is each medication still appropriate based on current guidelines and your current health?
- Making recommendations — the reviewer may suggest changes, such as adjusting doses, stopping a medication that's no longer needed, or trying an alternative
- Answering your questions — this is your chance to raise anything that's been on your mind
The whole process usually takes 20–30 minutes, depending on how complex your medication routine is. Our pharmacy team is trained to conduct reviews and explain any changes in plain language.
How to Prepare for Your Review
To get the most from your medication review, it helps to:
- Bring all your medicines — or a complete list, including over-the-counter products and supplements. Don't forget eye drops, inhalers, creams, or anything else you're using.
- Note any concerns — write down any side effects, questions, or difficulties you've been having. Be specific about timing and how the issue affects you.
- Be honest — if you've been missing doses, struggling with a particular medication, or not taking something as prescribed, tell your pharmacist. They're there to help, not to judge.
- Bring your repeat prescription list — this helps the reviewer check that the records match what you're actually taking.
A medication review works best when you're open and engaged. The more information you can share, the better the review will be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can my pharmacist do a medication review? A: Yes. Community pharmacists are trained and qualified to carry out medication reviews and are often more accessible than GPs for this type of consultation. At Kingfisher Pharmacy on Kirkgate in Wakefield, our pharmacist can review your medications, answer your questions, and — where appropriate — make recommendations to your GP. Pharmacy-based reviews are particularly convenient because you can combine them with a routine prescription collection visit, without needing a separate GP appointment.
Q: What changes might be made during a review? A: A medication review might result in no changes (if everything is working well), dose adjustments, switching to a different medication, stopping a medication that's no longer needed, adding a medication if a condition isn't being adequately managed, or improving your routine by changing when you take a medication. Any changes will be discussed with you, and you'll always have the final say in your treatment.
Q: What should I bring to my medication review? A: Bring all your medications (or a complete list), any notes about side effects or concerns you've had, your repeat prescription list, and your NHS number if you have it. If you take lots of medicines, it helps to bring them in their original bottles so the pharmacist can check dosages and expiry dates. Having everything in one place makes the review much more efficient.
Q: I'm worried about side effects. Should I mention this during my review? A: Absolutely. Side effects are one of the most important things to discuss during a medication review. Sometimes what feels like a normal part of aging — tiredness, dizziness, memory problems, constipation — might actually be a medication side effect that can be managed by adjusting your medication or trying something different. Your pharmacist or GP needs to know about any symptoms you're experiencing.
Q: Can a medication review help if I'm taking too many medicines? A: Yes. If you're taking multiple medications, a review is a good opportunity to check whether each one is still necessary. Sometimes medicines can be stopped because a condition has improved, or because the risks of continuing outweigh the benefits. This process is called deprescribing, and it can simplify your routine, reduce side effects, and improve your quality of life.
Q: I've never had a medication review. How do I arrange one? A: Ask your GP to refer you, or contact Kingfisher Pharmacy directly. Many Wakefield residents don't realize they can request a review independently — you don't need an invitation. Pop in, call us, or speak to our pharmacist about arranging a convenient time.
At Kingfisher Pharmacy on Kirkgate in Wakefield city centre (WF1 1UE), we offer medication reviews for residents who take regular medication. Whether you've been invited for a review or would simply like to check that your medicines are still right for you, we're here to help.
A medication review is one of the simplest and most valuable things you can do for your health. If you have any concerns about your medication or how you're taking it, speak to your pharmacist or consult your GP.