Medicines in Scotland

What’s the right treatment for me?

Our booklet is for patients and the public and explains how people can work with their doctor (or other healthcare professional) to decide whether a medicine is needed and if so, which to prescribe. It also explains about the likely benefits and possible risks of medicines.

Medicines are usually prescribed by a doctor. However, other healthcare professionals can also prescribe medicines (for example dentists and some nurses, pharmacists and physiotherapists). In this booklet, “healthcare professional” is used to describe the person prescribing the medicine. The full, 20-page booklet and a two-page summary are available below.

Information Video

Healthcare Improvement Scotland has produced a short, animated video to accompany the medicines booklet, Medicines in Scotland: What’s the right treatment for me?

This animation gives you an overview of the key points from the booklet and aims to help you understand more about your treatment options and how you can work with your doctor (or other healthcare professional) to ensure you gain the greatest benefit from your treatment.

The video is available in English, Polish, Arabic, Urdu, Punjabi, Cantonese and Mandarin, with subtitles.