Seven useful questions to ask about a long medicines list
A practical appointment checklist for people taking several medicines—and for the relatives who help them.
Published 2 August 2026 · Clinically reviewed 2 August 2026 · 5 min read
In brief
- Ask what each medicine is for and whether that reason still applies.
- Ask which monitoring matters and when it was last completed.
- Bring your real medicines list, including products you buy yourself.
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.
This is not about being a perfect patient. Honest information helps the clinician separate a treatment problem from a practical problem such as swallowing, timing, cost or confusion.
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?
Make the conversation shared
Good medicines decisions combine clinical evidence with your goals and preferences. NICE’s shared decision-making guidance recommends discussing benefits, harms and consequences in a way the person can use.
If time is short, lead with the one outcome that matters most to you—for example staying steady on your feet, remaining alert enough to work, sleeping better or reducing the burden of dosing throughout the day.