YOU AND YOUR PHARMACIST
Your pharmacist plays a crucial role in providing advice on both over-the-counter and prescription medications, ensuring you understand how to take your medicine for the best results. With years of university education and practical training, pharmacists are experienced health-care professionals committed to staying updated on new drugs and therapies through continuous education.
Responsibilities of Your Pharmacist: When you submit a prescription, your pharmacist evaluates the product’s relevance and dosage. After confirming the medication’s suitability and checking for interactions with other drugs, your pharmacist prepares the product and documents it in your file. Handing you the medication, your pharmacist provides essential information to maximize the therapy’s benefits.
Your Responsibilities: Keep your pharmacist and physician informed about all medications, including over-the-counter products, for accurate record-keeping and optimal care. Report any adverse drug reactions promptly. Using the same pharmacy helps your pharmacist maintain an updated drug profile, but if you go to another pharmacy, inform your pharmacist for record-keeping. If any recommendations are unclear, ask questions and note down queries for your next visit or call the pharmacy for immediate assistance.
Understanding Your Medication: Before taking any new drug, familiarize yourself with key information:
- What is the medication’s name, and what is its purpose?
- Why are you taking it, and what is the therapy goal?
- Will it cure the illness or alleviate symptoms?
- How long until its effects are noticeable?
- How should you take it, including dosage and frequency?
- Does it need shaking (e.g., if it’s a suspension)?
- Best time to take it, with or without food?
- Can you drink alcohol while taking it?
- Duration of the treatment, prescription renewal?
- Signs indicating when it’s no longer needed?
- Potential side effects and preventive measures?
- Impact on driving ability, drowsiness, or stimulation?
- Possible effects on digestion and stomach irritation?
- Compatibility with other drugs (e.g., Tylenol)?
- Proper storage, refrigeration, and expiration date?
- Disposal instructions for unused medication?
Pharmacists, being experts in drugs, can address your inquiries comprehensively, ensuring you have a clear understanding of your medications and therapy.