Want a Better Health Outcome? Ask Questions.
Did you know that each year thousands of people are admitted to the hospital,
don't improve as expected, or spend additional money on medical visits simply
because they didn't take their medication correctly?1 Asking
questions, both of your doctor and your pharmacist, can lead to better health
outcomes.
Before you leave the pharmacy with your prescription, ask your pharmacist the
following questions:
-
What can I expect this medication to do and how will I know if it is being
effective?
- I am allergic to __________. Will this medication cause any problems?
-
I am also taking __________ and some over the counter (OTC) supplements. Is
that okay with this new medication?
-
Should I take this with food? If yes, are there any foods I should avoid?
-
Are there any possible side effects? What should I do if I experience a side
effect?
- When should I take it, and what should I do if I miss a dose?
- If I start to feel better, can I stop taking it?
-
How should I store this medication? Does it need refrigeration (if yes, what
should I do if I accidentally leave it out)?
-
Is there a less expensive medication under my health insurance plan that
would be equally as effective? Would it be less expensive if I paid the cash
price?
-
Do you have any services that could help make my life
easier?2,4,5
Working together for you
Your pharmacist can act as a connection to your doctor, helping you work out
issues with your prescriptions and suggesting alternatives when necessary. They
may also offer services to help support your health between doctor’s visits:
-
Blood pressure. Your pharmacist can suggest how to continue
to monitor it and let you know when it might be time to check back in with
your doctor.4
-
Blood sugar. Many pharmacies offer blood sugar checks. Need
help learning how to use your blood monitor? Ask your pharmacist for help to
master the devices you need to monitor your blood sugar on your own.
-
OTC medications. Your pharmacist can help you select
medications for minor ailments – and let you know which ones you should
avoid because of your prescriptions or chronic health issues.
-
Staying on track. Perhaps it is as easy as asking your
pharmacist to help you divide your pills into a “days of the week” pill box.
Or, depending on your needs, delivery, compounding, medication
synchronization or special packaging may be needed to help you reach your
health goals. Be sure to ask if your pharmacy is willing to work with you
and offers the services you need.
-
Annual medicine review. Ask your pharmacist to review your
medications. They can work with your physician(s) to keep your medication
regime up to date, to help you avoid complications and save money. If you
are a caregiver, your pharmacist can help you understand the medications
your loved one is taking and help arm you with questions for their
doctor(s).3
Build a team that works for you
If you are living with a chronic illness or condition, it can feel like you are
in it alone. Surrounding yourself with a strong healthcare team offers you the
support you need and can lead to better outcomes. Your pharmacist is your most
accessible – and underutilized – healthcare resource available. In fact, of all
your healthcare providers, we are likely the one you see most often.2
Always remember, we are here to help – all you need to do is ask.
Health Mart. Caring for you and about you.
Nothing herein constitutes medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or is a
substitute for professional advice. You should always seek the advice of
your physician or other medical professional if you have questions or
concerns about a medical condition.
Sources:
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AHPA: “How To Get The Most From Your Pharmacist” https://www.pharmacist.com/how-get-most-your-pharmacist
Accessed: February 8, 2019.
-
CDC: “Get to Know Your Pharmacist” https://www.cdc.gov/features/pharmacist-month/index.html
Accessed: February 8, 2019.
-
Consumer Reports: “How Your Pharmacist Can Make You Healthier” https://www.consumerreports.org/health-wellness/how-your-pharmacist-can-make-you-healthier/
Accessed: February 8, 2019.
-
Patient Advocate Foundation: “Tips for Talking With Your Pharmacist” https://www.patientadvocate.org/explore-our-resources/interacting-with-your-physician/tips-for-talking-with-your-pharmacist/
Accessed: February 8, 2019.
-
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: “Safe Medicine Practices” https://www.aaos.org/research/committee/ptsafety/MedSafetyBrochure.pdf
Accessed: February 11, 2019.
Posted on Fri, March 1, 2019
by Health Mart