YOU AND YOUR PHARMACIST

Pharmacists are a part of your healthcare team. They provide a key role in patient care. A good relationship between you and your pharmacist could save your life.

Pharmacists are an excellent source of information. Whether you have a question about a prescription or medicines sold over the counter, such as cold or cough remedies, your pharmacist can help you.

When giving medication to you, the pharmacist should provide you with the following information:

the name and type of the medicine
instructions for using and storing the medicine
common side effects and
potential food, drug, or other interactions with the medicine

These services are required by law in many states. If your pharmacist is not providing this information, ask for it.

Provide a list to your pharmacist of all the medicines that you are taking so that a check can be made for possible dangerous drug interactions. This is true even if you get the prescription filled at another drugstore or the medicine does not require a prescription, such as aspirin or vitamins.

Pharmacists must keep information about you and your medicines confidential. This means that people who are not involved with your healthcare cannot find out about your medicines or health condition without your permission.

Pharmacists are medication experts. Use your pharmacist to make sure you are taking your medicines correctly and that they are safe for you.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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