Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota
Your pharmacist can help you learn how to use your prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines safely and to increase the benefits and decrease the risks. Use these tips for talking with your pharmacist. They can also used when talking with your other healthcare professionals.
Tell your pharmacist:
- everything you use. Keep a record and give it to your pharmacist. Make sure you list all the prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, herbals, and other supplements you use. Your pharmacist will use this to keep his/her records up-to-date and help you use medicine safely.
- if you have had any allergic reactions or problems with medicines, medicines with dietary supplements, medicines with food, or medicines with other treatments.
- anything that could affect your use of medicine, such as, if you have trouble swallowing, reading labels, remembering to use medicine, or paying for medicine.
- before you start using something new. Your pharmacist can help you avoid medicines, supplements, foods, and other things that do not mix well with your medicines.
- if you are pregnant, might become pregnant, or if you are breast feeding.
Ask your pharmacist:
- What are the brand and generic (non-brand) names?
- What is the active ingredient? Can I use a generic?
- What is this for, and how is it going to help me?
- How and when should I use it? How much do I use?
- How long should I use it? Can I stop using the medicine or use less if I feel better?
- What should I do if I miss a dose or use too much?
- Will this take the place of anything else I am using?
- When will the medicine start working? How should I expect to feel?
- Are there any special directions for using this?
- Should I avoid any other medicines, dietary supplements, drinks, foods, activities, or other things?
- Is there anything I should watch for, like allergic reactions or side effects? What do I do if I get any?
- Will I need any tests to check the medicines effects (blood tests, x-rays, other)? When will I need those?
- How and where should I keep this medicine?
- Is there a medication guide or other patient information for this medicine?
- Where and how can I get more written information?
After you have the medicine, and before you leave the pharmacy:
- Look to be sure you have the right medicine. If you have bought the medicine before, make sure this medicine has the same shape, color, size, markings, and packaging. If anything appears different ask your pharmacist about it. If it seems different when you use it, tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other healthcare professional.
- Be sure you know the right dose for the medicine, and you know how to use it. If you have any questions, ask your pharmacist.
- Make sure there is a measuring spoon, cup, or syringe for liquid medicine. If the medicine does not come with a special measuring tool, ask your pharmacist about one. (Spoons used for eating and cooking may give the wrong dose. Do not use them.)
- Be sure you have any information the pharmacist can give you about the medicine. Read it and save it.
- Get the pharmacy phone number, so you can call back.
If you would like more information on “Talking with your Pharmacist” contact Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Emeritus University of Minnesota at waldn001@umn.edu. Be sure to watch for more Family Living Focus™ information in next week’s paper.
