Healthy living
Medicines and supplements
Are you taking your medicines correctly?
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain is urging older people to review the medication they are taking, as research released by the Society reveals how millions of over 65s in Britain are taking a cocktail of medicines without fully understanding what they are, or the side effects they may be suffering from
The research shows how almost 4 out of 10 (38%) over 65s in Britain are currently taking over five medicines at any one time.
However, a staggering six out of 10 (62%) over 65s believe they either definitely, or possibly, have had a side effect from a medicine – yet one in four said that they did not get it checked out.
Other findings of the research revealed that almost one in 10 (8%) admit to not fully understanding what their medications do or how they treat their condition, and one in seven (14%) say they sometimes forget to take a pill at the recommended time.
In response, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society are launching a campaign to encourage older people and those with long term medical conditions to visit their pharmacy to reassess their medication in a Medicines Use Review (MUR). An MUR is a service that can be provided by a community pharmacist on an annual basis to a patient on one or more medicines and/or long term conditions.
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Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.
