Medicines Use Review (MUR)
Green Light's accredited pharmacists are available by appointment for medicine use reviews (MUR). This service helps those patients who take chronic medication to best manage their conditions by fine tuning medicines, etc. in conjunction with the patients normal GP. These reviews concentrate mainly around the administration of your medicines.
This is an ideal opportunity to utilise a health professional who has specialised in the study of medicines and who has the time to share such expertise in managing your medication.
Because this is much more than a casual chat appointments are necessary to allow the proper professional research prior to each consultation. All consultations will be carried out in the comfort and privacy of a Green Light consulting room. If you feel you are "rattling" or would just like to take a more pro-active role in managing your health then Green Light should be your first port of call.
Questions you could ask at the MUR? (These are just suggestions)
- What does this medicine do?
- How and when should I take it?
- How do I know it's helping?
- How can I be sure it's safe for me to take it?
- What side effects are most likely from this medicine, and what should I do if get these effects?
- What if I stopped taking it, or took a lower dose?
- How do my medicines mix with other things I take, or with food and drink?
- Is there anything that can help to remind me to take my medicines?
- Can I have easier to open containers?
What is a MUR?
A MUR is about helping you to use your medicines more effectively. It is a face to face consultation with your local community pharmacist in the community pharmacy, where he/she will assess any problems with your current medication and its administration.
This process is intended to improve the quality of your treatment.
Why should I have a MUR?
Medication needs to be checked periodically, especially multiple and long-term medication. It will help to identify any side effects or problems with your medication.
What will happen at a MUR?
You will be asked a series of questions about your medicines to make sure that you understand their purpose and that they meet your needs.
You will be able to talk openly and your questions or worries will be listened to.
Who will carry out the MUR?
Your local community pharmacist at the Green Light Pharmacy. He/she is accredited to carry out the MUR, and is an expert on medicines. They will update your GP with details of any recommended changes to your medication.
How do I make an appointment?
If you have collected your repeat prescriptions for at least the previous three months from the Green Light Pharmacy, you are entitled to book an appointment directly with the pharmacist.
How often do I need a MUR?
A MUR can be conducted every 12 months.
What happens if I can't get to the pharmacy?
Everyone is encouraged to come to the pharmacy, but if you are housebound, let the pharmacist know so alternative arrangements can be made.
If there is an urgent problem with your medicines, don't wait for a Medicines Use Review. Talk to a pharmacist or a doctor straight away.
What do I need to bring?
It is helpful to bring all of your medicines, inhalers, creams, ointments and eye drops with you, or a complete list of everything you take, including any medicines you bought from a pharmacy or other shops. You may also find it useful to bring a list of questions you want answered, so nothing is forgotten.
If there is someone who helps you manage your medicines such as a family member or carer, you might find it helpful to bring them with you to your review.
What happens afterwards?
A record of the MUR will be made onto your pharmacy record. A summary of the MUR and recommendations will be sent to your GP, and a copy of the MUR summary and recommendations will be given to you.
Your GP might invite you for a Medication Review , if further monitoring tests are required to make sure you are receiving the best possible medication.
