02/04/2026
HOME MEDICATION REVIEWS
Many Australians, especially older people and those with chronic conditions (such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, or respiratory illnesses), take multiple medications every day. While these medicines may be essential for managing your health, taking several medications at the same time can be complicated, confusing and increases the risk of:
• Taking the wrong dose
• Taking medicines at the wrong time
• Missing doses
• Taking medicines that interact badly with each other
• Continuing medicines that are no longer necessary
This is where a Home Medication Review (HMR) can make a real difference. So, what is an HMR? An HMR is a free, government-funded service under Medicare that assists people to use their medicines safely, correctly and effectively. A Home Medication Review is a structured review of all your medications conducted by an Accredited Consulting Pharmacist, following a referral from your GP. The pharmacist visits you at home, discusses what you are taking (including prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbal supplements), and prepares a report for your GP. Your GP then works with you to adjust or improve your medication plan if needed.
Medication-related problems are common
Medication misadventure is one of the leading causes of avoidable hospital admissions in Australia. These problems often occur because:
• Instructions are misunderstood
• Side effects are not recognised early
• Different doctors prescribe without a full picture of
all medicines
• Old or expired medicines are still being used
• People mix prescription medicines with
over-the-counter products or supplements
without advising their GP or realising the risks
The Benefits of a Home Medication Review:
✔ Improved safety
The pharmacist checks for:
• Drug interactions
• Duplicate medicines
• Incorrect dosages
• Unnecessary medicines
• Medicines that may cause falls, confusion, or side effects
✔ Better understanding
You gain clear, easy-to-understand advice about:
• What each medicine is for
• When and how to take it
• What side effects to watch for
• Which medicines can be taken together
✔ Reduced hospital risk
HMRs significantly reduce the chance of medication-related hospital admissions by identifying problems early.
✔ Simplified medication routine
Many people find they can reduce the number of medicines they take or simplify how and when they take them.
✔ Support for carers and family
Carers often struggle to manage another person’s medicines. An HMR provides clarity and reassurance.
✔ Personalised advice in your own home
Because the review happens at home, the pharmacist can see:
• How medicines are stored
• How dose administration aids (like Webster packs)
are used
• What over-the-counter or alternative products are
being taken
This gives a much clearer picture than a quick discussion in a clinic.
✔ Better communication between your pharmacist and GP
The HMR creates a coordinated approach, ensuring everyone involved in your care understands your medication plan.
Who Should Consider Having a Home Medication Review?
You may benefit from an HMR if you:
• Take five or more medicines
• Have recently been in hospital
• Have had changes to your medications
• Experience side effects, dizziness, or falls
• Have difficulty remembering when to take medicines
• Use multiple doctors or pharmacies
• Have chronic health conditions
• Are caring for someone who takes multiple medicines
How to Arrange a Home Medication Review:
1. Make an appointment at the Practice and ask your
GP for a referral for a Home Medication Review.
2. An Accredited pharmacist will contact you to arrange
a visit.
3. After the review, your GP will discuss any
recommended changes with you.
