Medication Reviews 101: A Thunder Bay guide to mastering your health in 2026

Let's be honest: keeping track of your medications can feel like a full-time job. Between the different pill bottles, varying dosages, and trying to remember what each one actually does, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. And if you're taking multiple medications, you might be wondering if they're all actually working together the way they should.

That's where medication reviews come in. If you've never heard of them before, don't worry: you're not alone. Many Thunder Bay residents don't realize this service exists, and even fewer know it could be completely free.

In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about medication reviews, who should get one, and how this simple step could help you take control of your health in 2026.

What exactly is a medication review?

A medication review is basically a check-up for your prescriptions. Think of it like taking your car in for a tune-up, but instead of checking the engine and brakes, a pharmacist looks at all the medications you're currently taking to make sure everything is running smoothly.

During a medication review, a trained pharmacist will:

• Go through every medication you take (including over-the-counter stuff and supplements)

• Check for any drug interactions that could cause problems

• Look for side effects you might not have connected to your meds

• Make sure each medication is still necessary and working for you

• Identify opportunities to save money on prescriptions
  

It's a thorough, personalized look at your medication situation: and it can uncover issues you didn't even know existed.

Why should you care about medication reviews?

Here's the thing: medications are powerful. They can do amazing things for your health when used correctly. But when you're juggling multiple prescriptions, things can get complicated fast.

Drug interactions are more common than you think. Some medications don't play nice together. One drug might reduce the effectiveness of another, or worse, the combination could cause harmful side effects, and can even occur with things like vitamins or supplements. A medication review catches these issues before they become serious problems.

Your needs change over time. That medication your doctor prescribed three years ago? Your body might respond to it differently now. Or maybe you don't need it anymore. A medication review helps ensure your prescriptions still match your current health situation.

Side effects often go unnoticed. Feeling tired all the time? Having trouble sleeping? Sometimes these issues are actually caused by medications or medication combinations. A review can help identify if your meds are the culprit.

The Pharmacist is a part of your team.

Who should get a medication review?

While anyone can benefit from a medication review, some people should definitely make it a priority. You might be a good candidate if you:

• Take 3 or more medications regularly

• Have one or more chronic conditions (like diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, or heart disease)

• Recently got out of the hospital or had a major health change

• See multiple doctors who prescribe different medications

• Experience side effects you can't explain

• Feel confused about what your medications are supposed to do

If any of these sound familiar, a medication review could be a game-changer for you.

What happens during a medication review?

So what can you actually expect? Let's walk through the process.

Comprehensive Medication Review

This is the full deal: a detailed, one-on-one consultation with a pharmacist that typically lasts about 30 minutes. During this appointment, the pharmacist will:

1. Review your complete medication list – This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements

2. Ask about your health conditions – Understanding your overall health helps them spot potential issues

3. Check for interactions and side effects – They'll look for any red flags in your medication combinations

4. Answer your questions – Got concerns about a specific medication? This is the time to ask

5. Create a personalized action plan – You'll leave with a clear list of next steps
   

How to prepare for your medication review

Want to get the most out of your medication review? A little preparation goes a long way.

Gather all your medications. And we mean all of them. Prescription bottles, over-the-counter pills, vitamins, supplements, even that herbal tea your friend swears by. Bring everything so the pharmacist has the complete picture.

Make a list of your health conditions. Write down any chronic conditions, recent diagnoses, or ongoing health concerns. This helps the pharmacist understand the full context.

Jot down your questions. Wondering why you're taking a certain medication? Concerned about a side effect? Write it down so you don't forget to ask.

Know your allergies. Be ready to share any medication allergies or bad reactions you've had in the past.

The cost question: Is it free?

Here's some good news for Thunder Bay residents: medication review programs are completely free for eligible participants. If you qualify based on the number of medications you take or your chronic conditions, you may receive a notification about the program and be contacted to schedule your review.

Even if you don't qualify for a free program, many pharmacies offer medication review services at reasonable rates. It's worth asking your local pharmacy about what's available.

Where to get a medication review in Thunder Bay

If you're ready to take this step, your local pharmacy is the best place to start. Many pharmacies in Thunder Bay offer medication review services, including Medication Therapy Management (MTM) programs.

At Oak Medical Arts, we're here to help you understand your medications and make sure they're working for you. Our team can answer your questions and point you in the right direction.

Taking control of your health in 2026

Here's the bottom line: your medications should be helping you, not confusing you. A medication review is one of the simplest, most effective steps you can take to ensure you're getting the most out of your prescriptions while avoiding potential problems.

Whether you're managing multiple chronic conditions or just want peace of mind, this service exists to help you feel confident about what you're putting into your body.

So why not make 2026 the year you finally get a handle on your medications? Your future self will thank you.