Medication shouldn’t be confusing
Managing multiple medications or diabetes is no easy task. With all the different instructions and potential side effects it’s hard to know if the medications you take on a daily basis are working as well as they should. There´s a way to make sure you´re getting the most from your medications.
MedsCheck is a program that allows you to schedule a 20 to 30 minute one-to-one meeting with your community pharmacist to ensure that you are safely and appropriately using all types of medication. Think of it as a comprehensive medication review. And it´s free! Just bring your OHIP card. The MedsCheck appointment is your chance to discuss how your prescription, over-the-counter and alternative medications may be affecting each other.
About MedsCheck
The original MedsCheck program was launched on April 1, 2007. It is for those Ontarians taking a minimum of three medications for a chronic condition. MedsCheck is a one-on-one 30 minute annual appointment with a pharmacist to review medications and help a patient better understand their medication therapy and ensure that medications are taken as prescribed. There is no cost to the patient. For eligible patients that may require another MedsCheck during the year for reasons including a planned hospital admission or managing your medications after being discharged from the hospital, you may contact your pharmacist for another consultation.
The expanded MedsCheck program was launched in 2010. It is reaching Ontarians who were not eligible or able to benefit from the original MedsCheck. The expanded programs now reach residents of licensed Long-Term Care Homes, all people in Ontario who are living with diabetes as well as those who are home-bound and not able to attend their community pharmacy for the service.
MedsCheck for Diabetes
A patient with diabetes who was taking three prescription medications for a chronic condition may have received a MedsCheck in the past. MedsCheck for Diabetes is for anyone who is diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. In some situations, a patient with diabetes may be taking only one medication or may be managing their diabetes without prescription medications; for these patients the program is new.
Prior to the MedsCheck for Diabetes program a patient with diabetes and taking less than three medications was not eligible for a MedsCheck. A patient who is newly diagnosed with diabetes and taking less than three medications now benefits from the one-on-one consultation with the pharmacist towards overall disease management.
Patients may benefit from the on-going medication management of their diabetes with their pharmacist. It is an opportunity for pharmacists to engage the patient in a focused medication review including advice, training on devices, monitoring and diabetes education.