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Campaign urges people to ask about their medicines

Patients in [insert area to localise] with a mental health problem are being urged to ask about the medicines they take as part of a national awareness campaign.

South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust (PCT), in partnership with community pharmacists in South Staffordshire, is participating in Ask About Medicines Week (3 7 November 2008), which aims to promote better communication between patients and their healthcare professionals by encouraging them to ask questions.

This year the campaign is encouraging people to ask about medicines if they have a mental health problem as well as asking questions about medicines they may be taking for other conditions.

Lesley Arnold, Medicines Management Support Officer, South Staffordshire PCT said: Working with our local pharmacists we want to encourage patients with mental health problems, and their carers, to make informed decisions about their medicines.

A Medicines Use Review is available from pharmacies to help people to get the most out of the medicines which play a key part in the process of their recovery, and assist them to cope with any side effects.

One in six of the population are, at any one time, suffering from mental health problems. As many as nine out of ten (92%) of people who receive support for mental health problems have taken medicines for their condition in the last 12 months.

However, national research has revealed that only four in ten (42%) people using mental health services reported that they definitely had a say in decisions about their medicines.

Lesley added: All medicines can have short or long term side effects, so it is essential to work out which ones suit each person best. Asking questions about medicines ensures that patients are involved in a two-way conversation with their health professionals, including pharmacists, and are able to make informed choices about their medicines.

The following questions can help people to understand more about the medicines they are taking:
WHAT does this medicine do?
WHY is it important that I take this medicine? Are there any other treatment options?
WHEN and how should I take it?
HOW long should I take it for?
WHAT should I be aware of when taking this medicine? Possible risks, side effects, taking medicine with certain foods/drinks/activities, what to do if I dont feel well while taking it, how should I store it safely etc.
WHERE can I go for more Information?

For further information about Ask About Medicines Week visit www.askaboutmedicines.org.uk