Darkside of Medicine
Living with Medicines:
Patient Empowerment
What do I need to know?
For many people with long-term health conditions, medication is essential. But when several medicines are prescribed together - known as polypharmacy - the risks increase, especially as our bodies change with age. Side effects can build up over time, and too often, the reality of polypharmacy is overlooked in everyday healthcare. “Healthcare professionals are responsible for addressing polypharmacy.” But patients also play an important role.
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Doctors use information shared with them by the drug company to make choices about your medicine. However, when you have multiple health problems, you are seen by multiple doctors, each a specialist in their field. In medicine, the pharmacist is the specialist. ​
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What Role Can Patients Play?
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Healthcare today is built on informed choice, shared decision-making, and regular medicine reviews. Patients and families have an important part to play in staying safe with medicines:
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Ask for a Medicines Review
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Ask your pharmacist for advice and guidance on managing medicines
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Talk to your prescriber about any worries or changes you notice.
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Keep a list of symptoms and a timeline
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Ask for non-pharmacological options
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Listen to Lived Experience
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Transparency about risks
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Respect for Informed Refusal
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Report side effects - even suspected ones - to the Yellow Card Scheme, which tracks safety concerns for medicines, vaccines, e-cigarettes, and medical devices.
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Supporting Your Health Beyond Medicines
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While many people need long-term medication, healthy lifestyle choices can also make a difference. Exercise, balanced nutrition, and proven supplements may help reduce reliance on medicines as we age. Working with healthcare professionals to explore both medical and non-medical options gives the best chance of staying healthy and safe.
✅ Know your medicines. Ask questions. Stay safe.
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