Your pharmacist is much more than simply a way to collect any medications you might need. In fact, they can be an integral part of your healthcare and assist you in more ways than simply completing and delivering your medications.
Like other healthcare professionals, pharmacists undergo many years of training to become legally capable of dispensing medication correctly. This knowledge and experience make them well-placed to assist you with a range of aspects of your healthcare rather than simply filling out scripts behind a counter.
Let’s examine some of the things your pharmacist can assist you with, either in person or via an online pharmacy.
Prescription Awareness
Your pharmacist can help you better understand your medications and how to take them for maximum effect. They can advise on dosage timing and any potential interactions with other medications you might be taking or food and beverages you consume, such as avoiding certain foods or not drinking alcohol while taking certain medications.
This can be extremely beneficial for those taking large quantities of medication or adding new ones to existing medications; they will have a deeper understanding of what does and doesn’t work together and help you understand what you can expect from new medications, too.
Costs
Prescriptions aren’t cheap, and as such, your pharmacist might be aware of programs or assistance available to you to help you afford your prescriptions. Whether it is manufacturer copay cards or patient assistance programs, they will be aware of what is available, and if you meet the criteria to help, you make your prescriptions more affordable.
Generic Alternatives
Hand in hand with the above point on making your medications more affordable is finding generic alternatives that cost less but do the exact same things as more expensive branded counterparts.
If you have any worries about generic medication, don’t. They work exactly the same as branded medications but without the cost, as all medicines go through the same rigorous testing and approval process to be considered safe for treatment for the public. They simply save you money, and your pharmacist can advise if general options are suitable for you and will be appropriate.
General Help And Advice
Pharmacists can also offer help and support for a range of other aspects related to your medications and healthcare. They can advise on whether or not you can crush your medications if you can’t swallow them, whether or not they are safe for consuming on an empty stomach, how to store them, how to make them more palatable, what happens if you miss a dose, and what not to do.
Not all health conditions or patients are equal, and sometimes you need expert advice on more complex scenarios or if you are new to a particular type of medication. This can help avoid having to contact your doctor again for advice, as you can ask when you collect your prescriptions. It’s important to remember that making changes to your medication regimen without consulting a pharmacist or doctor can be risky, so always seek professional advice before doing so.
Non Prescription Medications
Whether you take regularly prescribed medications or not, your pharmacist can help you understand over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. They can advise you on the right strength of painkillers, the type of painkillers you need, and preventive steps for health conditions or activities to avoid illness or injuries. They can also advise on aspects such as how long it takes to experience relief from symptoms when taking medications or what to expect when you first start taking a medicine, i.e., if it makes you drowsy or not.
Diagnose Minor Illnesses
Lastly, for this post, your pharmacist can help you identify symptoms of minor ailments and suggest over-the-counter treatments. They can also advise if your symptoms indicate a need for more intensive care options, such as booking a doctor’s appointment or visiting urgent care or the ER. While they cannot replace a doctor’s advice and diagnose more serious ailments, they can give you help and advice on how to approach any health concerns you might have moving forward.
Your pharmacist can be your go-to for advice and support on any medications you might have or queries regarding prescriptions, including costs, storage, and timings, and they can also be your first port of call for minor ailments and assist you in getting the right help and guidance moving forward. Talk to your pharmacist, both in person and through your virtual pharmacy, to see how they can assist you and build a better, more beneficial relationship.
The owners of Cinnamon Hollow and many of its authors are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice. We cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research and consult with your personal physician before using.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
