MedsCheck: Trusted Advice and Information on Prescription Medications
A Free Medication Review is Truly Priceless
MedsCheck is a free medication review program that offers a priceless gift: peace of mind.
If you have a chronic health condition or take prescription medication, medication side effects and drug interactions can be confusing and worrisome...and around every corner. Simply taking an over-the-counter decongestant can increase your blood pressure. Certain anti-inflammatory drugs can raise your blood sugar. Drinking a cup of grapefruit juice can increase the potency of meds like Zoloft.
Thankfully, an annual MedsCheck medication review can help you navigate this uncertain terrain with confidence.
MedsCheck is more than information on prescription medications. It's comprehensive and customized prescription medication assistance, designed as a 30 minute one-on-one consultation with the medication expert on your health care team--your Dell pharmacist.
Prescription Medication Assistance...and More
You have questions. We have answers.
Your MedsCheck medication review is a perfect opportunity to discuss how prescription medications, over-the-counter products and alternative therapies may affect each other. It's an excellent time to ask questions about the timing of your meds, activities to avoid after taking your drugs and foods to stay away from. Your Dell pharmacist will also have some helpful hints and memory aids--because a complex medication regimen is not an easy thing to manage.
You'll leave your appointment with enhanced understanding about your condition, the prescription medications and non-prescription products you're taking, and any prescription medication interactions. You'll know when and how to take your medications to maximize benefits and minimize side effects. And you'll take away a handy wallet-sized card listing all your meds--a valuable source of information on prescription medications when you visit the doctor, dentist or the hospital.
Who is Eligible for MedsCheck?
If you're an Ontario resident and routinely take three or more types of prescription medication for a chronic condition, you're eligible for this free annual medication review program. Some patients are also eligible for free follow-up consultations--check with your Dell pharmacist for details.
If you're the primary caregiver responsible for giving medications to someone, you are welcome to attend his or her MedsCheck appointment.
MedsCheck was developed by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care in partnership with the Ontario Pharmacists' Association and the Ontario Pharmacy Council. Because your appointment is paid for by the Ontario government, you'll need an OHIP card. Without an OHIP card, a MedsCheck visit costs $60.
What Do I Bring to My Appointment?
Get the most from your MedsCheck medication review by arriving prepared. Make sure to bring:
- your OHIP card
- medication bottles--including those from other pharmacies--or a list of all your current medications
- any over-the-counter, herbal or natural remedies or supplements you're taking
- your questions and concerns.
MedsCheck at Home
Frail or elderly patients are eligible for a free MedsCheck review in their home. Your visit will include all the components of a regular MedsCheck review, plus a medicine cabinet cleanup, referral to other community agencies and a plan for followup care. Patients can be referred to this service by pharmacy staff, a caregiver, relative, health care provider or by themselves.
MedsCheck for Diabetes
If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you're eligible for an annual, free MedsCheck medication review to help you manage your disease and maximize your health. You'll receive training on the use and disposal of your diabetic supplies (including diabetes glucose tests), advice on how to optimize your drug therapy, information on lifestyle changes and a plan for followup monitoring. If you have other medical conditions, you'll receive information and support to help you manage these in the best way possible. Schedule an appointment for your diabetes MedCheck review at your local Dell Pharmacy.
A MedsCheck Moment with Dell Pharmacy's Gary Fillmore
Dell Pharmacy's Director of Pharmacy Operations, Gary Fillmore, was interviewed on CH Morning Live during a segment on MedsCheck, Ontario's free medication review program. Watch the videos below and learn more about the basics and benefits of this important government program.
Medication Review Videos