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• HMR Brochure 

Why have a home medicines review?

Do you know your medicines?  If medicines aren’t used properly, or if the wrong ones are used together, the results can be serious.  Each year more than 140,000 Australians have to go to hospital with problems caused by their medication.  It has been shown that, in up to 69% of these cases, the problem can be avoided.  Older people are particularly at risk. 

You could benefit from a HMR if:

• you take more than five medicines in a day;
• are confused or worried about your medicines;
• sometimes forget to take you medicines;
• see more than one GP or specialist; or
• have recently spent time in hospital.

Your GP and Pharmacist will work together to help you get the most from your medicines.

How does it work?

You can ask your GP for a referral to your local pharmacy.  A pharmacist conducts an interview, preferably in the comfort of your own home, and then writes a report back to the GP.  The GP will discuss any recommendations with you and may make appropriate changes to your medication regimen.  These may include showing you how to take your medicines correctly, explain why and when to take your medicines, explain where your medicines should be stored, checking that prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines and vitamins are appropriate to take together, and clarify any confusion with generic medicines (the cheaper brands). 

A Home Medicines Review is nothing to worry about.  The Home Medicines Review is not a way of “checking up on you” or talking to the GP behind your back.  A Home Medicines Review cannot be done without your consent and you choose the pharmacist.  And it's all part of your normal consultation fee.