PharmacistsUsing your chemist

Getting the best from your pharmacy

There are several things you can do to make sure you get the most out of your visit to the pharmacy.

• Protect your privacy by making it clear you want to speak to a pharmacist in private about sensitive matters. Ask if the pharmacy has a consulting room, and insist that your privacy is respected.
• Put your health first. If you need medical advice, don’t settle for an assistant – ask for the pharmacist.
• Take advantage of other service your local pharmacy offers. Ask if they provide the following: a prescription collection and delivery service; cardiovascular tests (eg blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol); a stop smoking or weight management service; a minor ailments service such as advice on skin and minor stomach problems; disposal of unwanted medicines; and medicines use reviews (see below).
• It can be easy to save money on medicines without compromising your health. Check whether there are cheaper alternatives to ‘branded’ medicines. For instance, loperamide (the name of the ‘generic’ or active ingredient for treating diarrhoea) may be half the price of Imodium. Medicine might be cheaper on prescription than bought over the counter, or vice versa. And a prepayment certificate could help cut costs for ongoing medication (see ‘Food & health focus’, Which?, April 2008, p28).

Medicine use reviews check that you're using your medications correctly

Medicine use reviews

Everything you need to know about this new pharmacy service

What’s a medicine use review (MUR)?

Available in most pharmacies in England and Wales, it’s a free appointment with a pharmacist focusing on how you use your medicines. You can check you’re taking them correctly, ask about problems and make sure they’re still right for you. It should take place in a private room. You will receive an action plan to record what was discussed.

Who can have an MUR?

Your pharmacist might invite you for one, or you can request one at your pharmacy if you’ve been getting your prescriptions there for three months or more. You must be regularly taking more than one prescription medicine and/or taking medicines for a long-term illness (such as asthma). Check with your local pharmacy to see whether it offers them.

Do people find them useful?

We found 60% of members surveyed who’ve had an MUR were satisfied with it. And a quarter are doing something differently as a result. But there’s room for improvement, as nearly three in 10 were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied and 6% were dissatisfied.

Some members found their MUR reassuring, but others said they duplicated reviews or information from their GP or hospital, while others were unhappy the review took place in public.