Medicines

Pharmacists aren't just there for prescriptions
Getting advice from a local pharmacist is the best first step for a minor health concern. They can help you with:

• common illnesses like sore throats, coughs, colds, stomach troubles and aches and pains
• stopping smoking and alcohol.

Most local pharmacists have consultation rooms for private conversations and are open until late and at weekends. You don't need an appointment - you can just walk in.

Find your local pharmacist and see what times they are open.

• If you’re worried about the side effects of medication you are taking, you can: 
  - Keep a list of the effects that you think are due to the medication and talk to you doctor or pharmacist about this.
  - Contact the NHS 111 Service who will ask you a series of questions to assess your symptoms and immediately direct you to the best medical care for you.

• If you need help with remembering to take your medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. There is also a variety of medication alarms and reminders as well as organisers and dispensers available.
  
  
• Some Good Neighbours groups can help with prescription collection, as well as transport to medical appointments.
  
  
• Care Calls provides a daily phone call service to remind someone to take their medication and to check on them. If they do not answer the telephone,  a nominated person/s will be alerted. This is not a free service;  after a 30 day free trial the reminder/check-in service costs £12 per month

If you're prescribed a medicine to treat a long-term condition for the first time, you may be able to get extra help and advice about your medicine from your local pharmacist through a free scheme called the New Medicine Service (NMS).

If you are having problems with running out of your tablets or collecting your prescription, ask your local pharmacist if they offer a home delivery service. There are also many repeat prescription delivery services run by major pharmacies. Many of these let you order your repeat prescription online and will request your medicine from your GP and then deliver to your door.

As you get older, the way medicines work in your body can change. Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can make you sleepy or dizzy and can cause you to fall. Ask your GP, pharmacist or Community Matron to review all the medicines you take, even over-the-counter medicines.

The Message in a Bottle service encourages people living on their own to keep their basic personal and medical details in a small plastic bottle in the fridge. If the emergency services come to your home, they can quickly find vital information about your health. Bottles are funded by local Lions Clubs and are free to users. Ask your local GP surgery or pharmacy for details.

Medicines information from the NHS
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