FAQ
Here are 5 IMPORTANT QUESTIONS to ask at every visit medication-related healthcare visit… including your DOCTOR, NURSE, and PHARMACIST
CHANGES?
Have any medications been ADDED, STOPPED, or CHANGED, and why?
CONTINUE?
What medications do I need to KEEP TAKING, and why?
Are there any medications that I could consider STOPPING?
PROPER USE?
How should I TAKE my medications?
How long should I use this medication for?
MONITOR?
How will I know if my medication is WORKING?
What SIDE EFFECTS should I watch for?
FOLLOW-UP?
Do I need any tests and when do I book my next visit?
Your pharmacist is your best resource when it comes to your medication, but they can help in other ways too! Another question to always ask:
What ELSE can I do?
Medication is one piece of the puzzle There are many ways to help reach your goals, and often the biggest difference-makers are small changes in your day-to-day lifestyle!
Why is a pharmacist important to my overall health?
Pharmacists are well-versed in pharmacology, which is the branch of medicine that focuses on the uses and effects of drugs. Pharmacists understand the therapeutic roles of drugs and drug side effects and interactions with other drugs. Your pharmacist can help monitor these factors and which foods and activities can have an effect on your medications. Your pharmacist is a great resource. For example, instead of calling your doctor for a mild skin irritation, a lot of pharmacists can make recommendations of over-the-counter (OTC) medications or topical creams to help heal the skin. Or a pharmacist can suggest which OTCs to take for a cold, headache, upset stomach and other types of non-serious conditions. Accessibility is so convenient now with pharmacists in grocery stores, drug stores and big retail stores. Some of these pharmacists can take your temperature and help determine if you have the flu or another common illness.