A clinical pharmacist is one who works with patients and doctors to manage complex medication regimens. It is very common for meds to interact with one another in unintended ways, sometimes cancelling one another, other times causing more severe side effects. These can easily go unnoticed when more than one doctor is prescribing, especially if prescriptions are filled at multiple pharmacies, or meds change often.
A clinical pharmacist first reviews the patients conditions, and often asks about any new or unusual side effects they are experiencing. Then the pharmacist reviews all medications and supplements, including often overlooked items like vitamins, Tylenol, pain rubs, eye and nose drops...Then a report is prepared, recommending any changes. Often overmedication is identified, as are prescriptions that are no longer needed, but just didn't get discontinued - often due to a person having more than one provider. In some cases, pharmacists may be aware of a safer med, one with less side effects, a combination med to replace two or more single drugs. They can also tell you what time of day to take meds, when two or more should not be taken together, even which supplements or over the counter meds to avoid.

Where to find a clinical pharmacist? Many large drug chains have one or two who can be consulted. Hospitals have them, and since new meds are often added during a hospital stay that is a good time for a full review. Many large clinical practices have them on staff.

There are also nurses, often Certified Nurse Practitioners, who have specialized training in medication management and can provide this service.
Sue