Annual Medication Review with a Pharmacist: Reduce Side Effects and Stay Safe

Every year, millions of people take medications that help manage chronic conditions - high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, depression. But what if some of those pills are doing more harm than good? Many side effects people blame on aging - dizziness, confusion, fatigue, stomach upset - are actually caused by medications. The good news? An annual medication review with a pharmacist can cut those risks dramatically.

What Happens in an Annual Medication Review?

An annual medication review isn’t just a quick check-in. It’s a full 30-minute deep dive into everything you’re taking. Pharmacists don’t just look at your prescriptions. They ask about over-the-counter painkillers, sleep aids, vitamins, herbal supplements, and even what you grab at the convenience store. Why? Because these can interact dangerously with your prescription drugs.

During the review, the pharmacist walks through each medication with you. They ask: Why are you taking this? Is it still helping? Is the dose right? Are you having side effects? They check for duplicates - like taking two different pills for the same condition. They spot interactions you didn’t know existed. And they look for medications that no longer make sense for your current health.

For example, a 72-year-old man was taking five different pills for sleep, anxiety, and joint pain. He felt constantly foggy and unsteady. His pharmacist discovered he was taking two separate sleep aids - one prescription, one OTC - and a muscle relaxer that amplified drowsiness. Within weeks of stopping one and lowering the dose of another, his balance improved, his memory cleared, and he stopped falling.

Who Needs This Review Most?

You don’t have to be elderly to benefit. But if you’re taking four or more long-term medications - a condition called polypharmacy - you’re at higher risk. About 40% of adults over 65 fall into this category. That’s nearly 26 million people in the U.S. alone.

People with multiple chronic conditions - heart disease, diabetes, COPD, depression - are prime candidates. So are those who’ve been hospitalized recently, or who’ve noticed new symptoms after starting a new drug. If you’ve been on the same meds for years and haven’t had a full review since your last doctor visit, you’re due.

Even if you feel fine, an annual review catches problems before they become emergencies. Many side effects creep in slowly. You might think you’re just getting older. But your pharmacist knows what’s normal for a drug and what’s not.

Why Pharmacists? Not Just Your Doctor

Doctors are great at diagnosing and prescribing. But they’re pressed for time. A 10-minute visit isn’t enough to untangle five medications, check for interactions, and ask about side effects you might be too embarrassed to mention.

Pharmacists, on the other hand, train for years to understand how drugs work - together. They know which combinations cause falls, kidney damage, or confusion. They’re the only healthcare professionals whose main job is to make sure your pills don’t fight each other.

Plus, pharmacists are everywhere. Nine out of ten Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy. You can walk in, no appointment needed. Many pharmacies now offer free medication reviews as part of Medicare Part D or private insurance plans. You don’t need a referral.

What to Bring to Your Review

Don’t just show up with a list. Bring the actual bottles. Here’s what to include:

• All prescription medications
• All over-the-counter drugs (ibuprofen, antacids, allergy pills, sleep aids)
• Vitamins, minerals, and supplements (including gummies and powders)
• Herbal remedies (turmeric, echinacea, St. John’s wort)
• Any patches, inhalers, eye drops, or creams you use daily

Write down any side effects you’ve noticed - even small ones. Did you start feeling dizzy after starting a new blood pressure pill? Did your stomach get upset after adding a new supplement? Write it down. These details matter.

Many patients forget to mention OTC meds or supplements. Studies show 40-50% of people leave these out. That’s where the biggest risks hide. A common cold medicine with diphenhydramine can clash with an antidepressant. A fish oil supplement can thin your blood too much if you’re on warfarin.

What You Can Expect After the Review

The goal isn’t to take fewer pills - it’s to take the right ones. Sometimes, the pharmacist recommends:

• Stopping a medication that’s no longer needed
• Lowering the dose to reduce side effects
• Switching to a safer alternative
• Changing the time of day you take a pill to avoid drowsiness or insomnia
• Using a pill organizer or blister pack to avoid missed doses

You might get a printed summary of your new plan. The pharmacist may call your doctor to suggest changes - with your permission. You’ll also get clear instructions on what to watch for after adjustments.

One woman in her late 60s was taking six medications for arthritis, high cholesterol, and anxiety. After her review, two were stopped, one dose was cut in half, and she was switched to a different antidepressant with fewer dizziness side effects. Within a month, she stopped falling. Her doctor called it “the most important visit of the year.”

What Doesn’t Work

Annual reviews aren’t magic. They won’t help if you don’t show up with your full list. They won’t fix things if your pharmacist can’t communicate with your doctor. And they won’t work if you ignore the advice.

Only about 60-70% of patients follow through on recommendations. That’s the biggest barrier. If your pharmacist says to stop a pill, don’t wait. If they suggest a change, ask for written instructions. If you’re confused, ask again.

Also, reviews aren’t meant for people with severe dementia or those who can’t speak for themselves. In those cases, a caregiver must be present to help communicate.

Cost and Access

If you’re on Medicare Part D, you’re entitled to a free annual medication review. Most private insurers now cover it too. You won’t pay anything out of pocket. It’s not a copay - it’s a covered benefit.

Call your local pharmacy. Ask if they offer Comprehensive Medication Reviews (CMRs). Many do. Some schedule them during National Check Your Meds Day in October, but you can request one anytime. No need to wait.

The Bigger Picture

Medication errors cause over 1.5 million injuries each year in the U.S. - and cost $177 billion. Nearly 20% of hospital admissions for seniors are due to bad drug reactions. Most of these are preventable.

An annual review isn’t just about safety. It’s about control. It’s about knowing exactly why you’re taking each pill - and feeling confident you don’t need the ones you’re not.

As the population ages, this service is becoming essential. By 2030, all baby boomers will be over 65. The need for careful, thoughtful medication management will only grow.

Your pharmacist isn’t just filling prescriptions. They’re your safety net. And an annual review? It’s the simplest, most effective way to stay healthy - without adding more pills to your routine.