Your pharmacist plays an essential part in helping you understand what your prescription medicine is for and how to take it. He/She will also be able to provide advice about non-prescription (over the counter) medicines. Questions you might ask your pharmacist include:
- What is my medicine used for?
- What time of day should I take it?
- Am I supposed to take it with food or water?
- How will I know if it is working?
- Are there any side effects I should watch for?
- Is it okay to take with other medicines, alcohol or natural remedies?
- What if I forget to take my medicine?
Your pharmacist can answer all of these questions and provide medicine and other health-related information. Every time you have your prescription filled there is a series of steps your pharmacist performs. He/She will make sure:
- the information provided by your doctor, dentist or other health care provider is complete,
- the medicine, strength and dosage instructions are appropriate in light of your medicine history and for your age if very young/old,
- the new prescription is okay to take with the other medicines you are taking,
- there are no potential problems such as duplicate therapy or drug interactions,
- you are not allergic to the medicine, and
- your medicines are working for you and you are not experiencing any problems.
Your pharmacist will provide counselling on the medicine and will confirm/explain:
- who the medicine is for,
- what the medicine is for,
- the directions for proper use and what special precautions to take
- foods or medicines to avoid
- common side effects or interactions, what to expect and how to treat, if needed,
- how soon to expect the medicine to work,
- what to do if you miss a dose,
- how to store your medicine and dispose of unused medicines safely,
- if there are repeats or a balance owing and how and when to collect them.
Please tell your pharmacist about any non-prescription medincines you are taking even if you bought them in the supermarket. Many medicines, including natural health products and herbal supplements may interact with those your doctor prescribed. Your pharmacist can also offer suggestions on lifestyle and other non drug measures. You should also be sure to tell the pharmacist about any allergies you have. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to look after your own health. Taking your medicine properly is an important part of taking care of yourself. You, your pharmacist and your doctor are all part of your health care team.
Pharmacists can educate you about your medicines - both prescription and non-prescription. And the more you know, the better you'll feel.
If you have any concerns about the professional service you receive from a pharmacist, click here for information about how to make a complaint.
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