NHS Free medicine check

You could be eligible for the free NHS Medicines Check Up if:

• You take more than two medicines, and
• You have had your prescription dispensed at the same pharmacy for the last three months or more, and
• You live in England or Wales

When and how to take medicines

If this isn't the case, but you would like to talk to a Boots pharmacist about any medicines you are taking please visit your local pharmacy and ask. We know that it's important that you're getting the best from your medication, and our pharmacists will always try to help.

Firstly, talk to your Boots pharmacist to see if you are eligible for the NHS Medicines Check Up service. If so, you will have an informal, confidential consultation with the pharmacist in a private area in a Boots store. This should only take around 10 - 15 minutes and could be while you are waiting for your medicines to be dispensed.

Taking medicines: How to take your medication

The pharmacist will ask if you have any questions or concerns about your medicines. For example, you might like to know

• What is each of my medicines doing for me?
• How do they work?
• What's the best time of day to take them?
• Do I need to avoid any other medicines that I can buy over-the-counter?
• How long will I need to take them for?
• How can I control or minimise any side-effects?
• Medicine Check Up: What happens next?

We hope that the Medicines Check Up will help you understand more about your condition, and how to help your medicines work for you in the best way possible.

If the pharmacist feels you would benefit from going back to see your doctor for a review, they may recommend this.

Medication for long-term conditions

If you are taking medicines for a longer-term condition, it may be useful to consider the Free Repeat Prescription Service, which is available either in store¹, or online². Quick and easy to set up, it takes away the need to revisit your surgery every time you need a new prescription and we will make sure your medicines are ready when you need them. We'll also let you know when your doctor needs to see you for a review.

¹ Participating surgeries only, opening hours only

² Charges may apply for postal services

Medicines: Remembering when to take your medication

If you are taking several medicines and find it difficult to remember which medicines to take and when, you may be interested to find out more about the Boots Medisure service.

This free service dispenses your medicines into packs that are labelled by date and time, so you can see exactly what you need to take your medicines and when. Ask your Boots pharmacist to tell you more and see if it might be suitable for you.