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What Questions Should I be Asking My Pharmacist?

date published

April 18, 2023

estimated read time

3 minutes

We’re so often used to a quick stop by the pharmacy to pick up a prescription and we don’t think to ask any questions. All the information is on the bag and bottle, right? That is not always true! Your local pharmacist is always here to help you with fast and free knowledge about your medicines.

All too often there are situations where a patient is uncomfortable asking questions or may be embarrassed by their medications or the reason they are taking it. While it may be difficult to talk about, your pharmacist is an extremely qualified healthcare professional that can tell you a lot about the medications you take and their effects on you with no judgements about the medications or the questions you’re asking. Some of the important questions that should be asked, but might not be, include:

Can my new medication interact poorly with my current medications or vitamin/supplement regiment?

It is always important to consult your pharmacist when beginning new medications, especially if you are already taking a different type of medication! Medications can interact very differently when taken together (yes that includes non-prescription vitamins and supplements!) Being aware of potential side effects when taking multiple medications (or even just one) is important to know so you can self-monitor and know if an issue arises. If you make a mistake with your medication, remember to call Poison Control right away at 1-800-222-1222 or if you’re having a medical emergency, call 911.

What are the names or purposes of all my medications?

Did you know that almost 80% of older adults regularly take at least two or more prescription medications? When multiple medications are involved in someone’s care, it can get confusing or complicated. Because the amounts and times medications must be taken will differ, this can be difficult for many people to understand. Your pharmacist is more than happy to put together a full list of your medications and their directions if you ask. They are here to help!

How long do I use my medication for?

It is important to remember that each time you get a new prescription or refill, your medication comes with information on what it is, how much and often you should be taking it, as well as side effects and other important information. If you have questions or problems with any of your medication, ask your pharmacist for clarification.

How much does this cost?

Medicine can be expensive, and money is an area that many people have difficulty discussing. Whether you’re picking up antibiotics or insulin, everything has a cost and can pose a barrier to someone getting their prescription. While insurance can sometimes cover a portion of these costs, it is often absorbed by the patient which can become very costly. Companies like GoodRX, SingleCare and RxSaver are available online that can assist you with finding prescription medications at discounted rates.

While some of these questions might be embarrassing to ask or you may feel like it is something you should already know, it is important to ask them so you’re able to receive the best quality and accurate healthcare services. Making sure you know what your medications are, how to take them and how they can interact with other medications or supplements is important to note so you can be active in your own health and be aware when potential issues arise.

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