Millions of Americans are taking more than 3 medications every day. Let’s get real: Do you know why you’re taking your pills every day. What are they each for? When is the best time of the day to take those pills? What are the side effects? If you don’t know the answer to these questions you need to chat with you doctor and your PHARMACIST. Pharmacists are experts in the pharmacology and clinical use of medicines. They understand drugs at a physiologic and molecular level, and know how they will work in your body.
Working together as a team, your doctor, you and your pharmacist can ensure that you get the most out of your medications to keep you healthy.
Get to know your pharmacist.
He or she is a very important person who can:
1) Confirm that the prescription your doctor has written is complete
2) Ensure the medications you take will NOT interact with each other
3) Confirm that the medication and dose are right for you
4) Explain to you in a way that YOU understand how to take your medication
Here are some prescription tips from Dr. V:
1) Fill all your prescriptions at the same pharmacy
2) Check with you pharmacist before you buy any over the counter medications
3) Show your pharmacist a list of all the medications you are taking, prescription and non-prescription.
4) Tell your pharmacist about any allergies you have to medications.
5) Feel free to ask why you are taking a particular medication. Research them.
6) When you start a new medication or want to know how to take a particular medication: ask to speak with the pharmacist
7) Read the label on the medication bottles
8) Write down all of your medications: the name, dose, and how you take it (i.e. one pill 2 times daily) and keep it in your purse or wallet with you at all times.
9) TAKE YOUR MEDICATIONS AS PRESCRIBED !! If you have questions or are unclear about anything ASK YOUR PHARMACIST !!
