You should choose your pharmacy with the same care you take in choosing a physician. Although it's not uncommon to see more than one doctor, it's best to use only one pharmacy so all medication records are at one location. On your first visit to the pharmacy, take a few moments to answer questions regarding your medical history. A complete and accurate medication record will alert the pharmacist to any drug allergies, any conditions that may have an effect on the drugs you take, and any adverse effects you experienced from drugs in the past. This will also enable the pharmacist to detect any harmful drug interactions, and to avoid duplicate orders.
The American Pharmaceutical Association says that every person should be able to answer the following questions before taking any new medication. Although each medication comes with instructions, your pharmacist should be available to answer any or all of the following questions in more depth and in language that is easier to understand.
You should know the names of all the medications—both prescription and nonprescription—you take so you can inform each doctor you see.
You need to know how often to take your medication, if the medication is best taken on an empty stomach or with food, and if you should take it at the same time each day.
Your prescription order indicates the length of time you should take the medication and whether refills are available. Skipping doses or stopping medication to save money or because you "feel better," can result in health problems requiring more expensive treatment in the future.
If you always use the same pharmacy, the pharmacist will be able to detect any potential problems.
Certain foods or alcohol may also interact with your medications. Some drugs can cause drowsiness and may affect activities such as driving.
All medications can cause side effects, but they are not necessarily serious. Your pharmacist will inform you of the most common side effects. If you experience any unexplained effects, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Be sure you know the answer to this question when you receive the prescription. The decision to take a missed dose depends on the drug. Don't panic and don't take a double dose unless you are specifically directed to do so by your doctor.
Not all medications have generic counterparts. If a generic version is available, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has judged it to be equivalent to the brand name product and can save you up to half the cost.
Proper storage ensures a medication's effectiveness. The bathroom medicine cabinet is not an ideal storage place. Heat and humidity can adversely affect your medication. Most medications require a cool and dry storage location, and some need refrigeration.
Make sure you understand if this medication is replacing another medication.
RESOURCES:
The American Association of Retired Persons
http://www.aarp.org
American Pharmacists Association
http://www.aphanet.org
MediCare
http://www.medicare.gov/
Talking with Your Doctor: A Guide for Older People
National Institute on Aging
http://www.niapublications.org/pubs/talking/index.asp
United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
http://www.fda.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Pharmacists Association
www.pharmacists.ca/
College of Pharmacists of British Columbia
http://www.bcpharmacists.org/
References:
American Pharmacists' Association. APhA provides guidance on proper medication disposal use with respect and discard with care. American Pharmacists' Association website. Available at: http://www.pharmacist.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=News_Releases2&template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=12267. Created February 14, 2007. Accessed July 22, 2010.
Last reviewed July 2010 by Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.