One of the key members of the healthcare system is a person that you probably meet off and on but scarcely talk to… Your community pharmacist.
In the eyes of many, a pharmacist is someone who simply dispenses medications behind the counter but a pharmacist has more patient care services to offer than just that.
It’s important that you have a healthy and active relationship with your pharmacist. A relationship that is two-way whereby both parties should listen to each other, ask questions and share information.
So, in the hopes of igniting a better patient-pharmacist relationship and to encourage a better understanding of medicine use, here are some questions you can ask your pharmacist about your medications.
#1 Are there major side effects or special instructions?
Every medication is different even if it’s to treat the same condition. It’s always important to be aware of the possible side effects and the best way to do so is to ask your pharmacist.
Some medications also have specific instructions such as to be taken before or after a meal, day or night, to drink lots of water after consuming it and so on.
#2 What if I miss a dose?
While you should consume your medication diligently according to the prescription, it is also pretty normal to sometimes forget a dose.
If you do forget a dose, it would mean that the medication might not work as well as it should and this also depends on the type of medication that you’re consuming as missing
a dose could also lead to serious health complications. For example, should you miss a dose of medication that you’re consuming for health conditions such as epilepsy, blood clots, diabetes and cancer, please speak to your pharmacist or doctor immediately.
Nonetheless, if you miss a dose, never double your dose the next round. This could lead to serious side effects. You could always check the leaflet or medication instruction that’s available in your medication packaging or your pharmacist.
Tip:
Set reminders on your phone to prevent forgetting a dose.
#3 How should I store my medication?
Where you store your medication can affect its efficacy. Storing your medication in an unsuitable environment could damage it or it could cause other health issues.
So, each time you get any medications from the pharmacy, never forget to ask for specific storage instructions. Especially living in a tropical climate where heat and moisture is present all year round, it’s important to be extra careful where you store it. For example, never store it too near the window as direct sunlight could damage medication.
#4 I’m taking several types of medication. Can I take them all at one go?
It’s normal to be taking more than one medication daily and sometimes, about the same time such as after a meal. However, should you be taking them all in one gulp?
Some medications can interact with each other and cause side effects. So, if you’re taking more than one medication, be sure to ask your pharmacist how to consume each and every one of them. At times, your healthcare provider may not be aware that you are consuming more than one medication. Hence, do let the pharmacist know the type of medications that you’re consuming and never forget to ask if it’s appropriate to consume all medications at a go.
Also, you can speak to your pharmacist about medicine use review (MUR)
to be sure that you’re taking your medications in the most efficient and effective way.
#5 Are there any activities or food that I should avoid when taking these medications?
There are situations whereby the medication that you’re consuming can affect some of your daily activities such as driving, operating machinery, exercising and consuming alcohol.
As for food, there are certain foods that could reduce the efficacy of your medication or cause a side effect. On the other end, there are medications with side effects that could affect your health. Hence, your pharmacist might also recommend a supplement or suggest that you consume more of a certain food group to replenish the nutrients in your body and reduce the side effects of the medication.
#6 How long will I need to use this medication?
Each medication is unique and may work differently, depending on your health condition. Plus, some medications have a maximum or minimum period of consumption and some may require ‘breaks’ or ‘intervals’ along the way.
Also, the dose of a medication will differ among each individual. Never assume that the same dose someone you know is taking can be applied to you too. So, be sure to check in with your pharmacist.
