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FREE NHS Service

Medicine Reviews in Stoke-on-Trent

Free NHS medication reviews to help you get the most from your medicines. Our pharmacists check that your treatments are working well and are safe for you.

Free NHS Service No Appointment Needed Confidential Consultation

What is a Medicine Review?

A medicine review is a free NHS consultation where our pharmacist sits down with you to go through all the medications you are currently taking. The aim is to make sure your medicines are working well, that you are taking them correctly, and that there are no unwanted side effects or interactions.

At Norfolk Street Pharmacy, we carry out structured medication reviews for patients who take multiple medicines, have long-term conditions, or have recently had changes to their prescriptions. This is especially valuable if you are taking four or more regular medications.

Medicine reviews are completely free, confidential, and do not require a GP referral. You can request a review at any time by speaking to a member of our pharmacy team.

How It Works

1

Request a Review

Ask our pharmacist for a medicine review at any time, or we may invite you when we identify an opportunity to help.

2

Pharmacist Consultation

We go through all your medicines in a private consultation, checking for effectiveness, side effects, and interactions.

3

Action and Follow-Up

We provide advice, resolve any issues, and if needed, liaise with your GP to make changes to your treatment plan.

Benefits

  • Completely free on the NHS
  • Confidential one-to-one consultation with a pharmacist
  • Checks that your medicines are working effectively
  • Identifies potential drug interactions or duplications
  • Advice on managing side effects
  • Helps you understand how and when to take each medicine
  • Improves medication adherence and health outcomes
  • Pharmacist can liaise with your GP if any changes are needed

Who Benefits from a Medicine Review?

A medicine review is particularly helpful if any of the following apply to you:

Multiple Medications Taking four or more regular medicines, including over-the-counter products
Long-Term Conditions Managing conditions such as diabetes, asthma, COPD, hypertension, or heart disease
Recent Changes Your GP has recently changed or added a new medication to your treatment
Side Effects You are experiencing unwanted side effects from any of your medicines
Adherence Difficulties You find it hard to remember to take your medicines or are unsure how to take them
Hospital Discharge You have recently been discharged from hospital with new or changed medications

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a medicine review take?

A typical medicine review takes around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the number of medications you are taking. We make sure there is enough time to discuss all your concerns.

Do I need to bring my medicines with me?

Yes, please bring all the medicines you are currently taking, including any inhalers, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter products. This helps us carry out a thorough review.

Can the pharmacist change my prescription?

The pharmacist cannot change your prescription directly, but we can make recommendations to your GP and arrange for changes to be made. In some cases, our pharmacist prescribers can adjust your treatment as part of an agreed plan with your GP practice.

Will my GP be informed about the review?

Yes, with your consent. If we identify any issues or recommend changes, we will contact your GP and share a summary of the review. This ensures continuity of care.

How often should I have a medicine review?

We recommend a review at least once a year if you are taking multiple medications for long-term conditions. You should also request a review whenever your treatment changes significantly or if you start experiencing new side effects.

Is this the same as a GP medication review?

A pharmacy medicine review focuses specifically on how you are using your medicines, whether they are working well, and whether there are any problems. It complements your GP review and provides an additional layer of support from a medicines specialist.

Do I need an appointment?

You do not need an appointment, but we recommend booking a convenient time so that we can give you our full attention in a private consultation room. Walk-ins are also welcome.

This is not an emergency service. If you need urgent medical help, call NHS 111. For life-threatening emergencies, call 999.