Seven useful questions to ask about a long medicines list

Prepare the list you actually use

The list on a repeat prescription may not match what is in the kitchen cupboard. Before an appointment, write down every medicine and supplement you currently use, the strength, when you take it and anything you regularly skip. Bring hospital changes and recently stopped items too.

Tell the clinician if you find a medicine difficult to take. Accurate information helps them distinguish a problem with the treatment from difficulties with swallowing, timing, cost or unclear instructions.

Seven questions worth taking with you

Choose the questions that fit your situation. You do not need to ask all seven in one appointment.

• What is each medicine for, and is that goal still relevant to me?
• Which medicines are most important not to miss?
• Could any of these medicines be causing the symptoms or side effects I notice?
• Do any combinations increase the same risk, such as bleeding, dizziness or drowsiness?
• Which blood tests, observations or reviews do these medicines need?
• Could the list be simplified without losing benefit?
• If we change something, what should I expect and when should it be reviewed?

Explain what matters to you

Your goals and preferences should be considered alongside the clinical evidence. NICE’s shared decision-making guidance recommends discussing benefits, harms and consequences in a way the person can use.

If time is short, start with what matters most to you. That might be staying steady on your feet, remaining alert enough to work, sleeping better or making it easier to manage doses throughout the day.