Pharmacists: Experts to Help You Manage Your Health Care
How Pharmacists Can Help You
Pharmacists are among the most accessible health care providers at patients’ disposal. Pharmacists are your go-to experts on medication, and they are very knowledgeable about how medications work, what they treat, and how they interact with other products, but they can also help you with other health concerns and topics without waiting for a doctor’s appointment.
Topics Your Pharmacist Can Help You With
There is a wide range of topics your pharmacist can discuss with you, here are a few:
Managing your medications
If you’re struggling to keep a consistent schedule, keep things organized to avoid missed doses, or adjust your medications, your pharmacist can work with you to create a personalized plan for your health needs.
Use opioids safely
Even if you’re using opioids exactly as your doctor prescribed, dangerous accidents can happen. Your pharmacist can educate you on how to take your medication, including discussing the correct dosage, frequency, and how to avoid an accident that could lead to an overdose. If you’re looking for information on the life-saving overdose reversal drug naloxone, ask your pharmacist about it and watch this video.
Find over-the-counter medication and supplements
Along with prescription-only drugs, pharmacists are trained on the chemistry and dosage of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and supplements. If you are curious about OTC medicines or supplements, ask your pharmacist how they might help you meet your health goals.
Chronic disease management
If you have a chronic disease like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or something else that affects your health long term, pharmacists can help you make a plan to manage your treatment.
Save money on medication
Pharmacists might be able to share options to help you save money on medication. They can recommend generic versions of drugs or biosimilars, find less expensive medications that have the same effects, and share information about discount cards or coupons.
Get vaccinated
Don’t wait for a doctor’s appointment to get a vaccine! Schedule your vaccination at your local pharmacy.
Questions to Ask Your Pharmacist
When you pick up medication from your pharmacy, you are most likely asked, “Do you have any questions for the pharmacist?,” but do you know what questions you could ask? Here are some examples of questions to ask your pharmacist.
- Are there any over-the-counter medications I should avoid while taking my prescription medication?
- Should I avoid alcohol while taking my prescription?
- Is it safe to drive while taking my prescription medication?
- Are there any coupons for this medication or any cheaper alternatives?
- How should I store this medication?
- How long will it take for this medication to start working?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- What should I do if I lose my medication?
- What over-the-counter medications could help my condition?
- How should I travel with this medication?
- How do I properly dispose of this medication?
These are just a few examples of questions to ask your pharmacist, so don’t be afraid to ask for help with other health concerns. Find more examples of questions to ask your pharmacist on CDC’s website.