Your medicines

If you are taking medication before you arrive in hospital

It is important that you bring all of your medicines into hospital with you, including those that you only take occasionally, so that we know exactly what you are taking and can continue this during your stay. This information will also help us to ensure that you are on the appropriate treatment, and help us identify any problems related to your medicines.

When you come into hospital, please also bring (if applicable):

  • Monitoring books for medicines, for example Warfarin or methotrexate
  • GP repeat prescription lists
  • Any recent hospital discharge letters
  • Copies of any medicine administration charts from nursing/care homes
  • Dosette boxes
  • Details of any monthly or annual medicines such as injections
  • Any eye/ear/nose drops, inhalers (puffers), herbal/homeopathic medicines, vitamins, creams/ointments, insulin, injections, medicated sprays, medicated patches, 'over-the-counter' or when required/occasional use medicines.

When you go home

Your medicines will remain your property and will not be given to other patients. Any remaining medicines (that the doctors decide you should continue) will be returned to you when you are discharged. We will also supply at least 14 days of your regular medicines where possible, unless you have a sufficient supply at home.

Your Pharmacist or nurse will explain everything you need to know about taking your medicines correctly.

Questions you might like to ask your Doctor, Pharmacist or Nurse

  • Why do I need to take this medicine?
  • How do I take it?
  • What are the alternatives?
  • When should I take it?
  • How long do I need to take it for?
  • Can I take it with food?
  • What are the side effects?
  • Who should I contact if I get side effects?
  • Do I need any monitoring or follow-up?
  • What should I do when it runs out?

You can also call the Pharmacy Medicines Helpline on 01793 605369 (Monday - Friday, 2pm-4pm), if you have any questions about your medicines when you leave hospital.

For more details please see our hospital Pharmacy page.

Last update 25 January 2013