A campaign is being launched to ask older people to check which medicines they are taking with a pharmacist.
A new survey shows that older people are taking medicines without understanding what they are or their side effects.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) survey showed that nearly half (43%) of over 65's are currently taking over five medicines at any one time, with one in five not always taking their medicine as prescribed.
They are urging older people to review their medicine by visiting their local pharmacist for a Medicine Use Review (MUR). This would help the patient to learn more about their medicines, their purpose, any side effects and whether there are any problems with ordering or taking the medicines. The MUR would also encourage patients not to waste, over-order or stock pile their medicines and so make sure medicines are prescribed cost effectively.
