Canadian researchers have recently undertaken a study to characterise health risks related to inadequate medication management in ambulatory, non-homebound patients’ homes. From six community pharmacies in Toronto over a 15-month period, 100 patients (mean age 76.9 years) taking on average 10 chronic medications were enrolled in the study. Home visits by pharmacists involved medication reviews, detection of drug therapy complications and assessment of medication organisation and storage. In total, 275 drug therapy complications were identified (average 2.75 per patient); commonly involving reports of additional therapy needed (23.6%), non-adherence (23.3%) and adverse drug reactions (17.8%). 87 patients were ≥65 years with 32% using at least one medication on the Beers Criteria list of potentially inappropriate medicines for older people, and 6% using three or more of these drugs (the most common being sulfonylureas, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and short-acting benzodiazepines). Removal of medications occurred in 67% of patients’ homes, 54.2% due to medication expiry. These results highlight the frequency of medication management issues in this patient population and suggest pharmacist-directed home medication reviews would not only identify and resolve these issues, but also minimise inappropriate medication use and health care costs. The original research can be viewed here.