For people taking multiple medications, side effects can sometimes be explained away as signs of aging and to be “put up with”. This is not always the case, and it could be a matter of how the medications are being taken or the combination of medications prescribed.
If you are taking three or more prescribed medications you are eligible for a Home Medicines Review (HMR), also known as a Domiciliary Medication Manager Review (DMMR). This is a bulk billed service and reviews can be undertaken every 12 months or if there is a significant change in your health condition or medications prescribed.
What’s a Home Medicine Review?
Home Medicine Reviews are conducted by an accredited community pharmacist to check all the medications you are taking. The main aim is to ensure that all prescribed medications and any over-the-counter medications or supplements are working as expected.
As part of this process, the pharmacist may also identify if you are not taking your medication correctly, or if any other medications are blocking or reducing the effect of another medication.
How do I arrange a medicine review?
Head to your GP to request a home medication review. Your doctor will write a referral which you can take to your local pharmacist, or your doctor may recommend a pharmacist to go to. The cost of the review is covered by Medicare.
Following the consultation with the pharmacist, they will write a report and send it to your GP. Your GP will then go through the report and write you a “Medication Management Plan”. You can then take this report with you when you visit a healthcare provider.
Where does the home medication review take place?
Ideally, the pharmacist will come to your home so they can review all aspects of how you take and store your medications. They will look at any vitamins or supplements you are taking and review use-by dates. They will also look at what is the right time of the day and suggest if any medications should be changed.
How do I prepare for a home medicine review?
In preparations for the pharmacist’s visit, gather up all the medications you are taking whether prescribed or over the counter. Include items like eye drops, patches, inhaled medications, vitamins, and supplements so they can review the packaging and use by dates. They will also review the instructions and discuss when and how you take each medication and whether there are any side effects you are experiencing from the medications.
If you have any questions or concerns about managing your medications, the clinical and allied health services team at Real Community Services are here to support you also – contact us on enquiries@realcommunityservices.com.au
