The pharmacist’s review and report is paid for by the Australian government, so it will not cost you anything. Your GP may bulk-bill or charge you for the GP consultations.

If you (or someone you care for) might benefit from having a Home Medicines Review, talk to your GP or pharmacist about organising one. They are available in all states and territories.

Reviews are particularly useful for people who:

• take more than five (5) medicines a day
• have recently spent time in hospital
• are concerned about their medicines
• are confused about their medicines
• do not always remember to take their medicines

A Home Medicines Review involves your GP and an accredited pharmacist of your choice. Your GP writes a referral to the pharmacist. A pharmacist conducts an interview, preferably in your home, and then writes a report for to the GP. The GP will discuss any recommendations with you and may make appropriate changes to your medicines. 

The solutions may involve:

• showing you how to take your medicines correctly
• explaining why and when to take them
• explaining where they should be stored
• explaining what to expect when taking them
• outlining what problems you should report to the GP
• checking that prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines and vitamins are appropriate to take together
• clarifying any confusion with generic medicines
• giving you some help so you can remember to take your medicines
• changing your medicines