Take your medication safely
How MedsCheck helps you take your medication safely.
If you qualify for MedsCheck, you can set up a free meeting with your pharmacist to discuss:
- what medications you are taking
- how they work together and possible side effects
- how to avoid bad interactions
- how to use inhalers, needles, etc.
Your pharmacist will also answer any questions you have about your medication.
Who can use MedsCheck
Ontario funds the MedsCheck program for:
- anyone who takes three or more prescription medications for an ongoing, chronic condition
- anyone diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes (even if you are not taking diabetes medication)
- any resident of a long-term care home
If you can’t get to a pharmacy
Talk to your pharmacist about the MedsCheck at Home program. This program is for patients taking three or more chronic prescription medications who cannot make it to a pharmacy. This helps those who are sick, frail, elderly or living in isolated conditions. A pharmacist will visit your home to talk to you about your medications and answer your questions. The pharmacist can also help clean up your medicine cabinet and remove unused or old medication.
How to book a MedsCheck
Ask your pharmacist. You can book a MedsCheck appointment once a year. Your pharmacist may also follow up with you if you:
- are going into or coming out of the hospital
- have had major changes in your medication
- have a referral from your doctor
What to bring
Make sure you bring the following to your MedsCheck appointment:
- all the medications you are taking, or a list of them
- any non-prescription drugs, such as vitamins and/or herbal remedies
- your valid OHIP card (not required if you live in a long-term care home)
After your MedsCheck visit
You and your pharmacist will sign and date your MedsCheck personal medication record (a list of all your medications). It is important that you or your caregiver bring this record with you when you meet with your doctor or for any hospital visits.