Medication Reviews are an excellent opportunities to review your medications (prescription and over the counter) in a private, confidential and uninterrupted session with a medication specialist.

There are two types of Medication Reviews that are offered by pharmacists in Nova Scotia: Basic and Advanced.

Basic Medication Review

Time: 20-30 minutes
Cost: $52.50 (this service may be covered for some Nova Scotia Pharmacare recipients)
Outcome: Patients will receive a comprehensive record of the medications they are taking, dosage of medications and the purpose of the medications. In some cases, the pharmacist may make recommendations for changes that may be forwarded to the patient’s primary health care provider or recommend an Advanced Medication Review. 

To qualify for the program under Nova Scotia’s Pharmacare Program:

• The individual must be a beneficiary of a Nova Scotiaia Pharmacare Program, except the Under 65 – LTC
• Program.
• The beneficiary must agree with their pharmacist that they are a suitable candidate for the program and
• sign a consent form.
• The beneficiary must not reside in a nursing home, home for special care, or be receiving medication in compliance packaging.
• The beneficiary must meet with the pharmacist for an in-person consultation.
• The beneficiary must be taking 3 or more prescription medications that are used for the treatment of chronic conditions, and are covered by the Pharmacare Programs.
• The beneficiary must be provided with a comprehensive drug review list that is dated and authorized with the pharmacist’s and the patient’s signatures.

Brochure: Am I getting the most from my medications? Click here.

Advanced Medication Review

Time: 90 minutes
Cost: $150 (this service may be covered for some Nova Scotia Pharmacare recipients)
Outcome: The Advanced Medication Review is an in depth look at a patient’s health conditions and the medications they are taking (or not taking) for these conditions.  As with the Basic Medication Review, patients will leave the session with a comprehensive record of the medications they are taking. Recommendations may be made and forwarded to a patient’s primary health provider.

• Be beneficiaries of the Nova Scotia Seniors’ Pharmacare Program.
• Agree with their pharmacist that they are a suit able candidate for the program.
• Not reside in a nursing home, home for special care, or be receiving medication in compliance packaging.
• Be taking 4 or more prescription medications; OR taking one of the following:
  - methyldopa
  - indomethacin
  - cyclobenzaprine
  - diazepam
  - chlordiazepoxide
  - clorazepate
  - amitriptyline
• Have at least one of the following diseases:
  - asthma
  - diabetes
  - hypertension
  - hyperlipidemia
  - congestive heart failure
  - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  - arthritis

Article: Medication Reviews: They are for everyone, not just for seniors

It’s a common stereotype that  seniors are the ones on multiple medications and need to see their pharmacist for a review of these medications.  While it is true that seniors generally take more medications, individuals of all ages can benefit from a private counselling session with their pharmacist on the medications they are taking and the reason they are taking them.

We are a health conscious society in many ways. More and more people are taking vitamins, supplements and other over the counter products to improve their health. Although some may be “natural,” all are medications. Your pharmacist is an expert on these medications too.

A drug doesn’t have to be prescribed to you to have potentially harmful effects on your body. Have you talked to your pharmacist about possible drug interactions between over the counter medications? Have you asked your pharmacist if your vitamins or supplements will interact with any prescription medications you are taking? Do you know why you have been prescribed these medications? Do you have a comprehensive list of ALL your medications, the dosage and the frequency in which you take them? If you answer no to any of these questions, you should consider talking to your pharmacist about the benefits of having a Medication Review.

In Nova Scotia, two types of reviews are offered: Basic and Advanced. As the names suggest, the Advanced Medication Review is more in-depth and takes longer than the Basic Medication Review (90 minus versus 30 minutes).  Advanced Medication Reviews are recommended for individuals who are on more medications for a number of chronic health conditions. If you are a Pharmacare recipient your plan may cover this service if you meet the program’s criteria.

A Medication Review does not mean that you will necessarily have a medication issue, but it is a measure used to ensure you get the most from your medications. There are many different medication management issues that may affect whether you are getting the most from your medications.

Medication Reviews are just one of the convenient services your pharmacist can provide. Your pharmacist is an expert on medications and their effects on the body. We encourage you to take advantage of their expertise.

March is Pharmacist Awareness Month in Canada.  Each week your pharmacy will be spotlighting a different pharmacy service they provide. Watch for special events that will be taking place in your community pharmacy during the month of March.

Remember, if you need a Medication Review, it’s not a major problem. The pharmacist is in.