Use Your Pharmacist!
Your Pharmacy Resource
The pharmacist can be a valuable source of health information that can be used more by patients and caregivers. When the check-out clerk in the pharmacy asks you “Do you have any questions for the pharmacist?”, do not hesitate to say “yes” and then ask for the pharmacist.
What to Tell the Pharmacist
For many the pharmcist will be the last health care provider that patients and caregivers will talk to before heading home.
Some of the important things that you should tell the pharmcist include:
Your allergies.
All the medications you are taking. This includes more than prescription drugs. It also includes over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements.
What to Ask the Pharmacist
If the doctor did not fully answer all questions, the pharmacist can be a good source of health information.
Here are some key questions to ask the pharmacist.
Ask the pharmacist how you should be taking the medicine.
Ask what is the best time to take them and if they should be taken with or without food.
Ask the pharmacist about possible side effects and how they should be handled.
You have every right to know about your medical conditions and the medications you are taking. A caregiver should expect to have the same information so they can do their job properly. You should ask the pharmacist about any questions or concerns that you might have. Even though pharmcists are busy, answering questions is our job.
Most pharmacists will admit that helping patients is the most rewarding part of their job.
Posted in practical health care