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Pharmacy Medicines Information

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Medicines Information (MI) Service is a well-established centre that is part of the UK Medicines Information (UKMi) network. The service provides evidence-based information and advice to ensure safe, appropriate and optimised use of medicines. The service is staffed by a team of experienced and specialist pharmacists who work together to offer a wide range of services:

    • providing answers to questions and problems involving medicines and management of diseases and conditions for a wide range of hospital healthcare professionals
    • providing information and advice directly to patients through the Pharmacy Helpline
    • providing training in medicines information skills to pharmacy technicians, pharmacy undergraduates, foundation and trainee pharmacists

In an average month we answer over 200 enquiries from patients and healthcare professionals e.g:

  • “Can I take my medicines with food?”
  • “Which antibiotic is safe for a breastfeeding mum?”
  • “What are the risks of taking an antidepressant during pregnancy?”
  • “What is the UK equivalent of this Spanish blood pressure medicine?”
  • “How long will it take for methotrexate to be totally cleared from the body?”

Pharmacy Helpline

  • If you have questions about medication that has been prescribed for you at our hospital the Medicines Information team can be contacted for advice between the hours of 09:00 and 17.00, Monday to Friday. Telephone 01603 286286 and ask for the Pharmacy Helpline.
  • Please note that all of or our enquiries are documented and you will be asked to provide your name, hospital or NHS number, contact details and a list of the medication that you are currently taking.
  • We cannot answer questions about your illness in general or about other people’s medicines.
  • You can search for further information about your medicines via NHS Medicines A-Z
  • For supply issues with medicines usually prescribed by your GP surgery, for supply by a community pharmacy, please contact your GP surgery for advice or an alternative.  The hospital pharmacy is not able to dispense prescriptions written by your GP surgery.