PHARMACISTS are encouraging Worcester residents to ask them questions about any medication they are taking during this, Ask About Medicines week.

The theme of this year's national campaign is simply to encourage people to go to their community pharmacist for advice on any aspect of medicines in order to make better informed decisions about taking them. The questions could include such as:

l What exactly does this medicine do?

l Why is it important that I take this medicine? Are there other treatment options?

l When and how should I take the medicine?

l How long should I take the medicine for?

l What should I be aware of when taking this medicine? Possible risks, side effects, taking medicine with certain foods/drinks/activities, what to do if I don't feel well while taking it, etc

Patients are also encouraged to ask about vitamins and herbal medicines, to check they can be taken alongside prescription medicines.