By June 2, 2022
Getting the best out of your visit to the pharmacy requires asking the right questions. Your conversation with your pharmacist is a two-way street; pharmacists are always ready to listen to your question as much as you’re ready to listen to their medical advice.
Have you been asking your pharmacists questions about your medications? Do you share information about your medical history and allergies with your pharmacist? It’s time you started asking your pharmacist more questions. Here are some of the common questions to ask your Charlotte area pharmacist.
What Types of Food Does My Medication Interact with?
The scope of pharmaceutical care goes beyond just medications. Our Charlotte area pharmacists can advise on how what you eat or drink interacts with medications since reactions may occur with certain foods.
In some cases, interactions with foods may be harmful. Always ask your pharmacist if your medicine will interact with any food or alcohol before taking the medication. Moreover, also ask about the best time to take your medications, before or after meals.
Does My Medication Have Any Major Side Effects?
No drug is without one or more side effects. However, the extent and severity of adverse effects differ for every drug. Your pharmacist is a specialized health professional that can inform you of potential side effects you may experience while taking your medication and how you can manage them.
How Do I Store My Medication?
Different medications have different storage conditions. If not stored correctly, they start losing their potency. This affects the effectiveness of prescribed medications. A simple rule of thumb is to store medications in a cool, dry place. Also, keep medications away from humidity, the direct impact of sunlight, and drastic temperature changes.
However, different medications require specific storage requirements. For instance, some medications, such as glaucoma medications or insulin for managing diabetes, require refrigeration.
Another pro tip, avoid leaving your medication in your car. If you’re traveling by air, it is advisable to carry your medication in your carry-on luggage to avoid the effect of extreme temperature drops typical of a plane’s luggage hull. Be sure to discuss storage requirements with your pharmacist to be able to maximize the potency of prescribed medications.
What Should I Do if I Miss a Dose?
Sometimes life happens, and you could miss a dose of your medication. That’s understandable. But that’s not a reason for you to double it up the next time you’re to take the medication. That could result in drug toxicity which could wind you up in the emergency room.
If you missed a dose of your medication, feel free to contact your pharmacist about what to do. However, keep in mind that it is better to comply diligently with your medication regimen for the medication to work effectively leaving little to no room for error.
How Long Should I Continue to Use the Medication?
The right time to stop taking your medication varies depending on the drug and the nature of the condition. For certain drugs, you may feel better after two or three days of commencement of the medication, but you may still have to take them for seven to 14 days for maximum efficiency. Antibiotics fall within this category.
Some medications require routine monitoring and achievement of a certain set of therapeutic goals before you can decide whether to stop them or not. At times, a change to another medication may be required to effectively treat the condition.
Regardless of the type of medication you’ve been prescribed, be sure to talk to your pharmacist about the right time you can stop the medication for optimal pharmacy care.
What Other Medications Can My Medicine Interact with?
Just like drugs interact with food, they also interact with other medications. Certain non-prescription drugs are known to interact with prescription medications. Some of these interactions may decrease the effectiveness of the drugs, while others may lead to unwanted adverse effects.
Do not take any medication with other medications without asking your pharmacist how they interact. Also communicate with your pharmacist if you currently take any herbal medications or alternative therapies.
Find a Knowledgeable Pharmacist Near You in Charlotte, Rock Hill, and Lancaster
Since pharmacists are one of the most accessible healthcare professionals, getting the right medication advice is easier than you think. At Carolina Pharmacy, we provide personalized pharmacy services. Our goal is to ensure that you get the best quality medicines for your health at an affordable price. Feel free to contact us for your pharmaceutical advice in Charlotte, Rock Hill, and Lancaster.
