MedsCheck – Comprehensive Medication Review
Are you getting the most benefit from your medications?
A MedsCheck is a one-on-one consultation with your pharmacist to review all your medications and non-prescription products (vitamins and supplements). Your pharmacist at Centrepointe Gabriel Drugs Pharmacy is an integral member of your health care team with vast expertise in medication therapy. At the medication review appointment, we will discuss your treatment goals, identify existing or potential medication-related issues and make sure that your medications are working well together to provide optimal treatment outcomes. Following a MedsCheck, we can discuss our suggested recommendations with you and your physician to help develop the best treatment plan for you.
On average, a MedsCheck appointment takes between 20-60 minutes. This service is covered by OHIP, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.
Feeling overwhelmed by a recent diagnosis, such as diabetes?
Diabetes is a complex chronic condition that can affect many body organs and their function. Even if you are not taking any medications for treatment of diabetes, you can schedule a MedsCheck appointment with our pharmacists to discuss the many aspects of this disease and get advice on management, lifestyle changes and referrals to various community programs based on your needs. At Gabriel Drugs, our pharmacists have expertise in diabetes management. Sally Gabriel is a Certified Diabetes Educator who can provide you with the most thorough and up-to-date advice and support on diabetes.
Unsure why you are taking so many medications?
A MedsCheck medication review would be an ideal time to sit down with your pharmacist to review why you take each medication, when you should take it, and how each of your medicines works. Over time, our drug therapy needs change, so it is a good idea to have regular annual medication reviews to ensure that each drug and its dose are still the most appropriate for your treatment.
As we age, it is possible that we may need more prescription medications to manage chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, urinary incontinence, insomnia and depression. The more medications we take, the greater the risk of experiencing side effects and drug interactions. Our Certified Geriatric Pharmacist, Heidi Gabriel, has vast knowledge and expertise in medication management needs specific to older individuals. If you or your loved one are unable to come to the pharmacy, our dedicated pharmacists will be glad to visit you in your home for a MedsCheck review appointment.
Experiencing unwanted side effects from your medications?
Upset stomach, headache, dizziness, fatigue, weight gain, insomnia, muscle aches, mental clouding… the list of possible drug-related side effects can go on. Our pharmacist can help you identify the cause of side effects and suggest adjustments to your medication-taking habits or contact your doctor with a recommendation for treatment adjustment to reduce bothersome side effects and improve your daily function.
Need your most up-to-date medication list?
Whether your are traveling for vacation, going to a doctor’s appointment or are scheduled for hospitalization, it is essential to have your current medication list with you (including prescription, over-the-counter medication products, vitamins and supplements). At the end of a MedsCheck appointment, our pharmacist will provide you with an updated list of all your medications.
Am I eligible for a MedsCheck?
The MedsCheck medication review program is funded by Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long-term Care. Please ask our pharmacy team if you qualify when booking an appointment. For more details about the program, you can visit http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/drugs/medscheck/.