Going to the pharmacy

Petra_70

Well thank you everyone for your comments. I am sorry that the thread turned into a bundle of arguments, and I am surprised that it happened, especially as it was just a very simple question I think.

I have now got the answers I need, so thank you very much to those who helped and advised me. I shall just be politely declining the 'medicine check' from now on. Now that I know you can.

Arthog

I wonder whether these reviews are an attempt to reduce the wastage of medicines.
We recently took 2 carrier bags full of unused, unopened medicines after a relative died - second time we have done this. We were told both times that it would all have to be destroyed.
It seemed that no conversation had taken place about whether the medicines were working ok and actually being taken. The cost of it must be HUGE.

Missus_Hyde

I can totally understand OP's reluctance to discuss her medication with the pharmacist.

I have to take an assortment of different drugs and fortunately I'm able to collect my medication from the doctor's surgery, so don't need to visit the chemist to get my prescription. As far as I'm concerned it's none of the pharmacist's business and I'm afraid I would have no hesitation in telling them that, should the need arise. I also make sure I know exactly what I take and when, so certainly don't need anyone to advise me.

A simple, "no, thanks" would be my answer in those circumstances; should the pharmacist persist , then he/she would be told in no uncertain terms to mind their own business.

maman

HOWMUCH wrote: »

It's called a MUR ( Medicine User Review) set up by the government in 2011 the Pharmacy completes a form they then send 1 copy to your GP for you medical records and they keep a copy, the other gets them a payment of £28. So it's a nice little earner for the Pharmacy.

Interesting. I suspect it's part of the government move to ease the pressure on surgeries by getting people used to asking for advice at the pharmacy.


I've never been bothered like this but that's probably because I only have rare prescriptions.


My advice would be that the OP is up front with the pharmacist and says: 'No thank you. I find this intrusive. I'd rather discuss my health with my doctor. Please don't ask me again'.

Torry_Quine

The attitudes shown by some here to highly trained professional pharmacists staggers me!

They are much more informed about drug administration, interactions etc and should be given respect. I've never been offered a review but would see it as a helpful thing.

It's not unusual for people admitted to hospital to be on medication which is completely the opposite to something else they are on and a review meant they were able to go home on less and more effective medication.

MegS

I'm with Torry here, pharmacists are far more qualified in drug mixes etc. I've had two incidents where the pharmacist knew best, the first when I was prescribed a migraine drug. My records clearly show I'm allergic to septrin and the drug prescribed was part of the same family, it it hadn't been for the pharmacist the consequences would have been quite frightening. The second was a drug my husband was on for heart medication and he was having a dry cough as a side effect. The pharmacist picked up on this and arranged for the drug to be changed. Doctors are not infallible and are not trained to such a high degree in pharmaceuticals. I say take the 5 minutes to answer their questions as you never know when they can help you. They are also more informed than doctors as to when new guidelines/drugs come out.

catoutthebag

Missus_Hyde wrote: »

I can totally understand OP's reluctance to discuss her medication with the pharmacist.

I have to take an assortment of different drugs and fortunately I'm able to collect my medication from the doctor's surgery, so don't need to visit the chemist to get my prescription. As far as I'm concerned it's none of the pharmacist's business and I'm afraid I would have no hesitation in telling them that, should the need arise. I also make sure I know exactly what I take and when, so certainly don't need anyone to advise me.

A simple, "no, thanks" would be my answer in those circumstances; should the pharmacist persist , then he/she would be told in no uncertain terms to mind their own business.

Of course it's their business. You're their patient. They are providing a dispensing service to YOU. They need to ensure you're taking your drug cocktail safely and that it's working. Your post shows ignorance and arrogance to the highest level for a professional who spent 5 years training (probably more than you).

Nicki

I've had this reluctance only once, when I was very obviously and heavily pregnant and prescribed a medication which is not ideal to take in the last stages of pregnancy. I was also in a very vulnerable state of mind.

All it took was to say to the pharmacist (in the private room) that whilst I didn't feel able or willing to talk about the background reasons, the medication had been prescribed by my consultant with the consent of my consultant obstetrician and the risks explained to me, and that she was welcome to telephone either or both to discuss. Which is what happened, she excused herself for a few minutes leaving me in the consultation room, spoke to the consultant who had prescribed the medication and returned and handed it over with a smile.

With a disabled child, another child who had serious health problems as a baby but is now fine, and serious health problems myself my own experience of pharmacists has been nothing but positive. They have advised different formulations of drugs when my children have had difficulties taking the versions originally prescribed and have from time to time picked up better ways of doing things for me and the kids (which they have discussed with the prescribing doctor) which has greatly improved our health and quality of life.

To the OP, the pharmacist will already know the gist of your medical problems due to the drug prescribed. If it is for a mental health problem for example or a continence issue or gynaecologist problem, that won't come as news to them! Provided they aren't asking you to discuss the details in a public place, there isn't really any reason to feel more embarrassed than you would discussing the same thing with your GP or consultant so I'm a bit at a loss as to why you and some other posters would want to be actively rude to a professional who is part of the healthcare team trying to help you. Although the disciplines are different, the length of time it takes to qualify as a pharmacist is similar to the length of time it takes to qualify as a doctor, and no one offering you this form of medication review will just be a sales assistant in a white coat who operates the till on the pharmacy counter

mrlittlebigman

Just to clarify some points here. MURs or Medicine Use Reviews were introduced in 2005 under the new pharmacy contractual arrangement. The pharmacy can do a maximum of 400 reviews a year and gets paid £28 for each one they do, making over 11k a year. This however, was money that was taken off us and 'recycled' to pay for the service. It used to pay some of our dispensing fees, so it is not 'new' money and hence not a new cost to the taxpayer.
Remember, pharmacy is run as a business, so many companies are keen on doing the full 400 and there can be a lot of pressure from above to do them. Lack of them can also lead to disciplinary action!!
If as the OP states, she doesn't feel comfortable, then refuse. Just say you prefer to talk to your Dr and ask to have it logged on your records and not to ask you again.
But as some people have said, they can be incredibly useful. They are only intended to find out if you know what you are taking and when and if you have any side-effects or any questions. They should take 5 to 10 mins max, unless you have a carrier bag full of stuff to go through!

So basically, it's a service to help you, if you don't want, just say. Also, if the next time you visit would be better, just say.

BTW we are also supposed to promote and provide healthy living advice so if we ask about smoking and drinking and diet and exercise it's all part of it. We aren't singling you out!!

And, to the person who said we are failed medics, yes, some may be, as is the case with probably dentists and anything allied to medicine; but most of us wanted to do pharmacy. Being a Dr is very different to being a pharmacist.
Thanks for reading.

LameWolf

I guess I'm lucky in that the pharmacist I go to is brilliant. I have six prescription meds, my DH has three, and although we've never been asked to do a formal review, if we have any concerns, we both feel happy to talk to her about them.

I have to wonder if what upset the OP was the manner in which the review was offered? I must admit the "we're very persistent" comment would have got my back up. But then, I'd have said a straight "no, thanks" at the outset if I didn't want it.