News & Notes / medscheck

November is Diabetes Awareness Month — a good time to shine a light on a free service that every person with diabetes in Ontario is entitled to but few know exists: the MedsCheck for Diabetes program.

What Is MedsCheck for Diabetes?

MedsCheck for Diabetes is a government-funded Ontario program that provides patients with a comprehensive one-on-one medication and diabetes management review with a licensed pharmacist. Unlike a standard MedsCheck, it's available to any Ontario resident with a diabetes diagnosis — regardless of how many medications you take.

What Does the Review Cover?

• A complete review of all your diabetes medications — insulin, oral agents, and other drugs
• Blood sugar monitoring practices and targets
• How your other medications may affect blood sugar levels
• Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and what to do
• A printed personal medication record to share with your doctor

Is MedsCheck for Diabetes Free?

Yes — completely free. The program is funded through the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) system. You're entitled to one MedsCheck for Diabetes per year.

How to Book Your MedsCheck for Diabetes in Waterloo

Call us at (519) 578-3000 to book. Bring all your medications — including your blood sugar monitor if you use one.

430 The Boardwalk, Suite 102, Waterloo, ON N2T 0C2 | Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Friday & Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Learn more about MedsCheck | All our services

If you take three or more prescription medications and live in Ontario, there's a free service available to you that most people don't know about — and it could make a real difference in how safely and effectively you manage your health. It's called a MedsCheck, and at The Boardwalk Pharmacy in Waterloo, we offer it by appointment at no cost to eligible patients.

What Exactly Is a MedsCheck?

A MedsCheck is a private, one-on-one consultation between you and a licensed pharmacist. During this session, your pharmacist reviews all of your medications — prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements — to make sure they're working together safely and effectively for you.

The program is funded by the Ontario government and offered through participating pharmacies at no cost to eligible patients.

What Happens During a MedsCheck?

When you come in for your MedsCheck at The Boardwalk Pharmacy, your pharmacist will:

• Review every medication you take — including vitamins and supplements
• Check for potential drug interactions you may not be aware of
• Confirm you're taking each medication at the right dose, at the right time
• Identify any medications that may be duplicating each other's effects
• Answer your questions about side effects, storage, and alternatives
• Give you a printed personal medication list to keep and share with your doctor

The whole appointment typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. We set aside a private consultation space so there are no interruptions.

Who Qualifies for a MedsCheck in Ontario?

You may be eligible for a MedsCheck if you:

• Take 3 or more prescription medications for ongoing conditions
• Were recently discharged from hospital (MedsCheck in the Community)
• Have been diagnosed with diabetes (MedsCheck for Diabetes is a dedicated program)
• Are managing medications for a family member in their home (MedsCheck at Home)

Is MedsCheck Really Free?

Yes. The MedsCheck program is funded by the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program, which means there is no cost to you for an annual MedsCheck at a participating pharmacy like ours.

How to Book Your MedsCheck in Waterloo

Call us at (519) 578-3000 or visit us at 430 The Boardwalk, Suite 102, Waterloo.

Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Friday & Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Learn more about our MedsCheck services | All our services