What Can Your Local Pharmacist Do For You?
Many people talk to their primary care doctor or specialist about their health and health management. But did you know the pharmacists can serve as an important member of your healthcare team by providing valuable insights and information?
Pharmacists work closely with your healthcare team to provide guidance and information about your health and health conditions you may be experiencing, as well as how medicines work to improve your health and overall well-being. And since nearly 90% of Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy, you may see ad talk to your pharmacists more than any member of your healthcare team.
Your community pharmacist can help manage your health, both behind and at the counter.
Behind the Counter:
While pharmacists are responsible for filling prescriptions, they also educate customers and work with your insurance company. Here are the ways they help manage and support your health and start a dialogue with your pharmacist:
Pharmacists may be busy, but don’t be shy about speaking up and asking questions about your medications. Our pharmacists are always available to answer questions or concerns with medications with a face-to-face consultation at the time of filling or pick-up.
Sources
https://www.rogersrxmv.com/aboutus
- Review your current medications for possible interactions. This is especially important if a new medication is prescribed or there is a change in dosage.
- Educate you on how to take your medicine correctly, including answering any questions about the dosage amount, when it should start working, and how it relates to the treatment of your health condition.
- Offer advice on which over-the-counter medication is effective based on your symptoms, as well as any potential interactions with prescribed medication you’re currently taking.
- Work with your healthcare team regarding any issues related to your health and well-being.
- Find ways to help reduce the cost of your prescriptions including coupons, prescription programs, and patient assistance programs.
- Perform health and wellness screenings including blood pressure checks and cholesterol.
- Provide vaccinations such as flu and pneumonia shots. (This varies from state to state)
- Supply resources for the safe disposal of unused medications.
Pharmacists may be busy, but don’t be shy about speaking up and asking questions about your medications. Our pharmacists are always available to answer questions or concerns with medications with a face-to-face consultation at the time of filling or pick-up.
- Be prepared to initiate the conversation. If you have questions about a new prescription, you can ask “This is my first time on this medication, what can you tell me about it?” If it’s a current prescription and you feel it may not be working correctly, you can ask “Am I taking this medication correctly?”
- Provide a complete list of medications you’re currently taking, especially if you’re at a new pharmacy. However, it is helpful to have the list handy or on file so any potential issues or interactions can be caught ahead of time.
- Ask for recommendations if you forget to take your medications as prescribed. If you miss a dose, your pharmacist can provide the right course of action to ensure your medication is still effective.
- Remind your pharmacist of any medication allergies, even though it should be in your file. This also applies to over-the-counter medications.
- Inform your pharmacist about any alternative medicines (i.e. herbal meds) that you’re taking. Some may interact with your medications, both prescription and non-prescription, and may diminish their effectiveness.
- If there are changes to your medical condition or health, alert your pharmacist during the consult. Some of your meds may be unsafe to take, and your pharmacist will be able to suggest an alternative.
Sources
https://www.rogersrxmv.com/aboutus
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