Lääkitystarkistus

Lääkitystarkistus, also known as medication review, is a service provided by pharmacists to ensure the safe and effective use of medications by patients. It involves a comprehensive assessment of a patient's medication regimen, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements. The primary goal is to identify and resolve any potential drug-related problems, such as inappropriate medication use, adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, or suboptimal dosing.

During a medication review, the pharmacist discusses the patient's current medications, their purpose, dosage, and how they are being taken. They also inquire about any health conditions the patient has and any allergies. This information allows the pharmacist to evaluate the appropriateness of each medication for the patient's specific needs and to check for potential conflicts between different drugs or between drugs and existing health conditions.

A key outcome of a lääkitystarkistus is to improve patient understanding of their medications. Patients are educated on how to take their medicines correctly, what side effects to watch out for, and what to do if they experience any issues. The pharmacist may also identify opportunities to simplify the medication regimen, reduce the number of medications, or switch to more suitable alternatives, always in consultation with the prescribing physician. This collaborative approach aims to enhance treatment outcomes, reduce medication errors, and ultimately improve the patient's overall health and quality of life. Lääkitystarkistus is often recommended for patients with multiple chronic conditions, those taking several medications, or the elderly, who are at a higher risk of experiencing medication-related problems.