5 Questions You Should Ask Your Pharmacist

A doctor’s visit or a hospital admission can be overwhelming. Large amounts of information presented at one time can leave you with many unanswered medication questions.  Your pharmacist is available to address any of your medication concerns.  Listed below are 5 questions you should ask your pharmacist whenever you receive a new prescription.

1. Why am I taking this medication?

A pharmacist is able to explain how each of your medications works and why you are taking them.^1-3  Pharmacists can also provide information on how to monitor if a medication is working properly.  Seeing a decrease in blood sugar or blood pressure would tell you that your diabetes or blood pressure medications are working properly.  If no improvement in such outcomes is seen, your pharmacist can work with your doctor to suggest an alternative medication.

2. How should I be taking this medication?

Medications have very specific instructions on how they should be taken.  In order for a drug to work properly it is important to understand and follow the instructions.⁴  Directions may include, but are not limited to, how many times a day to take the medication; how much of the medication to take; what time of the day the medication should be taken; and if the medication can be taken with or without food.  At times these instructions can be complicated and difficult to understand.  Several kinds of medication lists are available to provide clarification. ⁵  You should work with your pharmacist to create a list of your medications so that it is easier for you to follow your treatment regimen. 

.3. What common side effects might I experience while taking this medication?

UIC Pharmacists are ready to answer your questions

All medications have side effects; however, most of these effects are mild.  A pharmacist can inform you of common side effects associated with your medications and assist you in managing them.¹  If you are experiencing side effects your pharmacist might suggest writing on a calendar any symptoms you might be having, specifically at what time of day and after using which medication.⁶  Having more information will help your pharmacist find a solution to your side effects. If you are unable to tolerate side effects of any medications your pharmacist will be able to consult your doctor to recommend an alternative medication.¹

4. Could this medication possibly interact with anything?

Foods, vitamins, over the counter medications, and herbal or dietary supplements are agents that may interact with prescribed medications.^1,4,7-9  These agents may lead to the prescription medication having too much or too little of an effect.  To avoid these interactions, it is important to tell your pharmacist about any other agents you are currently taking.  Use one pharmacy for all of your prescriptions so that your pharmacist has a current list of your medications and is able to check for all possible drug interactions.^5,9 If multiple pharmacies must be used, keep a current medication list with you.⁵ A medication list should contain all of the previously mentioned agents and should be presented at each doctor’s appointment or trip to the pharmacy.  By maintaining an up-to-date medication list, drug interactions can be avoided.

5. How can I mange my medications?

Compliance is taking your medications as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.⁴  If medications are not taken as instructed disease complications and hospitalizations can occur.  However, there are several obstacles that make it difficult to always take medicines as instructed.  Prescription medicines can be expensive and it may be difficult to afford them.  Your pharmacist may be able to offer generic medications that work just as well as brand name drugs, and are usually less expensive.  Cost is not the only obstacle that could prevent medication compliance.  Daily activities may also get in the way of remembering to take medications.  Your pharmacist will be able to offer simple tips on how to remember to take your medications.  Tips include using a pill box to keep track of your weekly medications; setting reminders on your phone or watch; or keeping your pills on your night stand so you remember to take them before going to bed or first thing in the morning.  No matter what obstacle might prevent you from taking your medication, your pharmacist will work with you to design an individualized plan to solve any medication problems.

References

1. American Pharmacist Association. Ask your pharmacist about all your prescription and nonprescription medications. http://www.pharmacist.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Patient_Care_Services2&CONTENTID=16495&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm. Updated April 2008. Accessed August 10, 2011.

2. Cerulli J, Zeolla M, Cottrell J. Drug information questions posed to community pharmacy advanced practice experience students. Am J Pharm Educ. 2004;68(3):article 68.

3. Kassam R, Collins JB, Berkowitz J. Comparison of patient’s expectations and experiences at traditional pharmacies and pharmacies offering enhanced advanced pharmacy practice experiences. Am J Pharm Educ. 2010;74(5):article 90.

4. American Pharmacist Association. Making your medications work better. http://www.pharmacist.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Patient_Care_Services2&CONTENTID=16496&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm. Updated April 2008. Accessed August 10, 2011.

5. Safe Medication. The importance of keeping a medication list. http://www.safemedication.com/safemed/PharmacistsJournal/TheImportanceofKeepingaMedicationList.aspx. Accessed August 10,2011.

6. Safe Medication. Managing your medications 24/7. http://www.safemedication.com/safemed/PharmacistsJournal/ManagingYourMedications247.aspx. Accessed August 10,2011.

7. American Pharmacist Association. Get your medication check-up. http://www.pharmacist.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Consumers1&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=19218. Updated 2009. Accessed August 10, 2011.

8. American Pharmacist Association. Understanding food-drug interactions. http://www.pharmacist.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Patient_Care_Services2&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=16497. Updated April 2008. Accessed August 10, 2011.

9. American Pharmacist Association. What you should know about over-the-counter medicines and drug interactions. http://www.pharmacist.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Patient_Care_Services2&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=16499. Updated April 2008. Accessed August 10, 2011.

By: Danielle Donzal, PharmD Candidate, 2012