Medwise is a group of specialist pharmacists who provide a medicines support service in the Bay of Plenty. We aim to make sure that you are getting the best from your medicines.
When you are first prescribed a medicine, it will be checked to make sure it is the best medicine for you. However, whether the medicine remains the best choice might change over time.
Our pharmacists are medication specialists, and can help you by:
Answering questions about your prescription medication, as well as any supplements and/or vitamins you take.
Discussing treatment options, how medicines are likely to help you, and any side effects that you might expect. We use the best available evidence when discussing medicines with you.
Ensuring that your current prescription reflects which medicines you are taking (medicines reconciliation). It is important that health professionals have an up‑to‑date list of all the medicines you are taking, especially if you go into hospital.
Checking all the medicines you are taking and that you understand why you have them, how you feel about them, and if you are having any problems
Checking that you still need the medicines
Checking whether you need any tests to see how well they are working or if they are causing side effects
It may be necessary for the pharmacist to recommend changes to your medicines (these will be with your agreement and will be explained to you). Some common changes might be changing to a form that is easier to take, changing to a newer version, or stopping a medicine.
A Medwise pharmacist may visit you in your home, at a time that suits you.
You may be offered support from a Medwise pharmacist if one or more of the following applies to you:
You regularly take a number of prescription medicines
You have recently been in hospital
You have recently had changes to your medicines.
Our pharmacists will work closely with your doctor, hospital and any other carers involved in your healthcare. Our service will complement the support you are already receiving.