10 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Pharmacy Experience
You are the most important person when it comes to your health. The right health care professionals understand this and will help in any way they can to ease your concerns and ensure your experience is positive.
When taking care of yourself or a loved one, there are a number of simple steps that you can take to make sure that you are getting the most out of your pharmacy experience.
Here it is, 10 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Pharmacy Experience
1. Make your pharmacist your most reliable source for information about medications. Pharmacists are truly medication experts – no other health professional possesses the unique body of knowledge that pharmacists draw upon to monitor and manage drug therapy.
2. Take medications as prescribed. Most medicines must be taken exactly as directed by your pharmacist for them to have the proper effect. Be sure that you understand all instructions before you take your medicine, and if you notice side effects or feel sick from taking the medicine, call your pharmacist for advice.
3. Let your pharmacist know if you find it hard to remember to take your medications. Some medicines have complicated directions, and we all have had times when we forget to take our prescriptions as directed. Talk to your pharmacist if you find this happening. They can give you helpful advice on how to stick to your medication plan.
4. Talk to your pharmacist! It's never too late to ask your pharmacist a question. Even if you don't think of one until you get home, you can still call the pharmacist for advice. If your provider suggests a course of treatment you don’t feel comfortable with, inquire about other potential treatment options. Don’t be afraid to ask more questions. If you’ve asked a question and still don’t understand, don’t be afraid to ask again.
5. Ask for a list of your medications. Even better, ask for a one-on-one medication consultation. Most patients who take a prescription medication regularly will benefit from a medication review, they’re not just for those with complex medical conditions. Studies repeatedly show that regular medication reviews result in better health outcomes. If you are taking a medication on a long-term basis review your medication(s) annually with a pharmacist.
6. Get advice before you mix prescription or non-prescription medicines or herbal/natural products. There can be significant or dangerous interactions between prescription, non-prescription and herbal products. Interactions are not restricted to just mixing prescription medications either, interactions can also occur with common foods.
7. Ask for privacy. All pharmacies should have readily available private consultation rooms to meet with you one-on-one where you can talk without interruption and should be encouraged to ask questions.
8. Find out how you can order your refills to avoid interruption. Many pharmacies offer online refill requests and can send you a text when they’re ready for pick up. If you need more refills, in some cases your pharmacist may be able to authorize a refill of your prescription but in other cases your doctor will need to be contacted.
9. Ask the pharmacist about what else you can do to help achieve your health goals. Medication is one piece of the puzzle, there are many ways to help reach your goals. Many pharmacists incorporate lifestyle-modification patient care into their practice and can offer patients information, guidance, and counseling regarding lifestyle changes that can help manage their medical conditions in addition to prescription therapy.
10. Staying with one pharmacist and pharmacy is the best way for you and your pharmacist to keep track of your care. Your prescription records and history are maintained in the pharmacy where the medications are filled, which means your pharmacist can better understand your prescription history and identify possible drug interactions or allergies with any new prescriptions that you fill at that pharmacy.
Developing a strong relationship with a pharmacist you trust can transform your health. Make the most of your relationship by learning about and taking advantage of some of the many clinical services pharmacies now offer. If you’re interested in learning about the services at Bearspaw Pharmacy, please visit our website and check out our patient portal at bearspawpharmacy.ca.
Submission By: Kim Henke
Email hello@bearspawpharmacy.ca
Website https://www.bearspawpharmacy.ca/
