Category: Blog

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the healthcare landscape—and pharmacy is no exception. From automating prescription workflows to supporting clinical decisions, AI is enhancing both the safety and speed of care. At Carolina Pharmacy in Charlotte, NC, we embrace innovative technology to better serve our patients. AI is not replacing pharmacists—it’s empowering them to spend more time on what truly matters: personalized care.

Wondering how AI is changing your pharmacy experience? Visit Carolina Pharmacy today and see innovation in action.

1. What is AI in Pharmacy?

AI in pharmacy refers to the use of machine learning, algorithms, and data analysis tools to support pharmacy operations and decision-making. These systems can process vast amounts of data quickly, improving efficiency and reducing the potential for human error.

Examples include:
– AI-powered prescription verification systems
– Chatbots for patient questions
– Medication adherence tools
– Predictive analytics for patient outcomes

2. How AI Benefits Patients and Pharmacists

AI tools are improving outcomes across the board:

– **Faster Service:** Automated systems help fill prescriptions more efficiently.
– **Improved Safety:** AI flags potential drug interactions or allergy risks.
– **Better Adherence:** Smart apps remind patients to take their medications.
– **Personalized Care:** AI helps pharmacists make evidence-based recommendations.

How does AI help pharmacists? It frees them from repetitive tasks so they can focus more on one-on-one care.

3. Home Tools and AI Apps for Medication Management

Patients can take advantage of AI too, with apps and home devices. Here are some AI tools for managing medication at home:

– Remind users when to take their medications
– Track adherence and notify caregivers
– Provide instant access to drug information
– Offer personalized health insights

4. When to Speak with a Pharmacist (Even with AI)

AI is powerful, but it’s no replacement for human expertise. Speak with a pharmacist when:

– You have questions about side effects or new prescriptions
– You’re managing multiple medications
– You want advice tailored to your health conditions

Can a pharmacist still help in an AI-driven world? Absolutely. At Carolina Pharmacy, we blend technology with personal care.

5. How Carolina Pharmacy Uses AI in Charlotte, NC

Here’s how AI technology is used at Carolina Pharmacy so we can stay at the forefront of pharmacy innovation:

– AI-powered refill and inventory systems
– Automated alerts for potential drug interactions
– Smart systems that enhance medication synchronization programs
– Personalized text and app-based reminders

6. FAQs

Can AI replace pharmacists?
No—AI supports pharmacists but doesn’t replace clinical judgment or compassion.

Is my health data safe with AI tools?
Yes—trusted pharmacies like Carolina Pharmacy use secure, HIPAA-compliant systems.

What’s the biggest benefit of AI in pharmacy?
Faster, safer, and more personalized medication management.

Conclusion

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping pharmacy for the better, from safety to speed to service. At Carolina Pharmacy, we combine cutting-edge technology with compassionate care to give you the best of both worlds.

Have questions about AI in pharmacy or your prescriptions? Stop by any of our Charlotte, NC locations today and speak with a knowledgeable pharmacist.

There’s no doubt that living a stress-free life can be challenging. Everyone is trying to make time between work, family, and our personal lives. Obviously, leading a stressful life can adversely affect your health, both physically and mentally. 

Beyond feeling tired and grumpy most of the time, you may feel irritated and mostly unhappy just because you aren’t relaxing well enough. In this article, you will learn about simple ways that can help you relax no matter how busy you are. These tips will help you create time for yourself and also relax. 

Without further ado, here are the healthy living tips from our pharmacists at Carolina Pharmacy that can help you relax.

Manage Stress

Stress is part of everyone’s daily life experience. In fact, it serves the important purpose of warning us against potential threats, so we can avoid danger. However, too much stress and the way we respond to it can impact our health negatively.

Sometimes, too much stress may lead to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Under certain circumstances, too much stress can even result in physical health problems like heart diseases and gut stress.

Although no one can totally avoid stress, it can be managed by proper relaxation and responding to it appropriately. To manage stress, you can begin by setting reasonable deadlines, so you don’t get overwhelmed. Additionally, be deliberate about creating time to relax through good sleep.

Engage in Moderate Physical Activity

Although this may sound counterintuitive, engaging yourself in moderate physical activity or exercise may be beneficial for stress management so you can get to relax. Evidence indicates that a sedentary lifestyle may lead to increased stress, mood swings, and sleep abnormalities.

However, when you engage in physical activity, your muscles become relaxed, and this enables you to release physical tension. Try aerobic exercises such as swimming, brisk walking, cycling, and gardening. When you do this consistently, you will be able to reduce stress levels and also relax.

Eat Healthily

What you eat can be your biggest ally or foe when it comes to relaxation. That’s why you need to pay attention to what you’re eating when you’re feeling stressed. Experts have demonstrated that certain types of nutrients in some foods can affect your emotion, motivation, and mood.

For instance, whole grain foods can help you boost your mood and reduce stress by raising your serotonin levels (a hormone that boosts your mood and helps to reduce stress). Also, avocados offer stress-reducing omega-3-fatty acids that help to reduce stress and fight anxiety, so you can be in a greater mood to relax.

Lastly, warm milk can help you get a great night’s sleep if you’ve had a really stressful day.

Observe Relaxation Exercise Routines

There are nights when it can be very challenging to fall and stay asleep. While we may blame stress and anxiety for these moments, however, you may be having issues with falling and staying asleep due to progressive inactivation of your body’s relaxation response.

To overcome this, you need to try relaxation exercises to help you relax. Some relaxation exercises you can try include:

• Breathing Exercises: This involves taking slow deep breaths to create a sense of calm. If you find yourself lying awake in bed for too long, then you should try taking ten slow deep breaths. This may help you relax and then fall asleep.
• Visualization Exercises: This technique involves creating calming and serene mental images that will help you expand your ability to rest and relax. You can do this by initially closing your eyes, then focusing your mind on one calming mental image. This may help you to remove any tension you may be feeling throughout your body.

Monitor Your Daily Activities

Do you spend most of your time working, sitting down behind a computer, or doing the same thing in the same way throughout the week? Then you may need to add some flexibility to your daily activities. Doing the same repetitive thing can prevent you from getting enough rest when you need it.

Sometimes, you may not even realize that you haven’t been creating enough time for rest or exercise. Monitor your daily activities and be deliberate about creating more time to rest. Some quick ways to relax include creating time to take a quick walk, trying to get organized, doing some yoga, meditation, or just laughing.

Get a Hot Bath

Getting a hot bath is one of the unique ways of relaxing your body, and many of us can attest to this. A hot bath helps you ease off the day’s stress by enhancing your skin’s ability to release endorphins. Additionally, a hot bath improves your lung capacity and oxygen intake, which are beneficial for the efficient regulation of your blood pressure.

Try Getting a Massage

A massage can be a powerful tool for relaxation. A good massage after a stressful day can help you reduce pain, muscle soreness, and tension. Additionally, it can improve your energy, circulation, and alertness. Beyond that, a massage can be helpful for anxiety, nerve pain, and headaches, ultimately helping you relax.

Contact Us for Health Tips In Charlotte, North Carolina

You can take charge and control your stress levels by learning how to relax. Even when you don’t feel stressed, practicing these relaxation tips will help you keep stress away and improve the quality of your life. Feel free to speak with a pharmacist at one of Carolina Pharmacy’s locations.

At Carolina Pharmacy, our pharmacists are dedicated to providing patient-centered care. Every patient is unique, and we offer personalized prescriptions to meet patients’ varying needs. We are one of the few pharmacies locally that compounds prescription medications, with offerings ranging from chemotherapy drugs to hormone replacement therapy. Using the latest technology, our pharmacists put together prescriptions using the highest quality ingredients.

How do you know if compounded drugs are right for you? How to you order a customized medication? Our experts share the top things to know when considering a compounded medication.

How are compounded prescriptions different from other prescriptions?

Traditionally, you may have filled a prescription for a commercially available FDA-approved drug that’s manufactured by a national company to meet the needs of a large population. In contrast, compounding means that a licensed pharmacist modifies ingredients to create a customized medication for an individual patient. At Carolina Pharmacy, we offer compounded prescription for both pets and people.

We’re one of the few pharmacies equipped to safely compound USP800 drugs, which include hormone replacement therapies. We have a wide array of medications, meaning we can customize medications to manage a variety of care needs. Additionally, we have a state-of-the-art lab outfitted with the latest technology to assist as we create compounded medications.

Examples of compounding:

• Adding flavor enhancers or sweeteners to change the taste of a medication
• Removing allergens such as glutens or dyes
• Changing the form of the medication i.e. offering foams, sprays, gels, suppositories

Is a compounded prescription the right fit for me?

To determine if an alternative formula would better fit your needs, you should speak with your physician. For example, people who have allergies to specific ingredients in commercially produced medications may seek out a custom formulation that omits the allergen. You may need a custom dose that’s not readily available. In some cases, patients can’t swallow tablets or tolerate the taste, and we can alter the medication to fix those issues.

How do I order a compounded prescription?

The process is simple and starts with your doctor writing a prescription or sending it directly to our pharmacy. After receiving the order, our team will give you a cost estimate and share how long your prescription will take to be filled. Your prescription may not be covered by insurance. Once your medication is created, we can have it ready for pick up or delivery to your home or office. To order from Carolina Pharmacy or for more information, you or your medical provider can call 704-909-4700 (ext. 5) or email compounding@carolinapharmacy.com.

Learn more about compounding at Carolina Pharmacy here.

Your prescriptions delivered through the mail right to your door? Sounds convenient, especially when a pharmacy is miles away and you may not have transportation, need regular refills on prescriptions, or are just busy. But when it comes to your health, it’s important to know that mail order drugs aren’t always what they seem.

According to a nationwide survey of 1,390 adults by the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), 85% of American adults who rely on prescription medications prefer getting their drugs from a local independent pharmacist versus through the mail. And their preference is with good reason. It can be risky to rely on the unknown to ship something that is so vital to your health.

“Most Americans clearly are not willing to substitute personal care for the perception of convenience,” said pharmacist and NCPA CEO B. Douglas Hoey, MBA. “When they need medicine, they want to talk to a health care provider who knows them.”

An alternative to mail order, of course, is getting your prescriptions through your local independent pharmacy. For adults who opt for independent pharmacies over mail order services, the trust factor plays a big role. Prescriptions can be complicated, and it’s a good bet to stick with pharmacists who know your healthcare needs and understand your conditions.

“Ultimately, we know our patents better than any mail order service, and can answer their questions and be a trusted counsel. There’s just no replacement for that personal trust.” — Chirag Patel, PharmD, M.B.A., Chief Operating Officer, Carolina Pharmacy Group.

If you follow superfood hype, you’ve probably heard of elderberry. This mysterious food has a reputation for healing acne, curing colds and flu, and even preventing COVID-19. But can it back up those claims?

Elderberry – Msterious Superfood, or Marketing Hoax?

Elderberry, as the name suggests, is a berry grown from the Sambucus tree. In the summer, these trees blossom brilliant star-shaped flowers. Because the Sambucus tree grows fast, its foliage is a popular landscaping border. But its blueish black berries are its true claim to fame.

Both the Sambucus tree flowers and berries are edible but must be cooked first before consumption. In raw form, the berries are toxic and can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Today, you can find this beloved berry in nearly any physical form, from syrups to powders to gummies to tablets. Its rich, dark color and pretty name add to its intrigue, and its cross-cultural influence spans from Indiginous peoples to Europeans to many nations of Asia. Even ancient Egyptians turned to these berries to help improve complexion and soothe burns.

How Elderberry Became Popular 

Despite its trendiness in modern culture, elderberry has been touted as a mega-food for nutritional and medicinal use for centuries. Its European origin began in Scandinavia and spread throughout the world from there. Some ailments it’s been used for include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Constipation
• Hay fever
• Headaches
• High cholesterol
• Sciatica
• Sinus infections
• Toothaches
• Upper respiratory infections

So, what’s true and what’s folklore?

Benefit #1: Immunity

Arguably the biggest draw to the elderberry market is its alleged immunity boost. Prior studies have shown that elderberries show signs of antioxidant and antiviral properties and may reduce the severity and longevity of cold and flu symptoms. Other studies have shown an apparent link to elderberry easing upper respiratory issues. While some experts suggest that more research is needed, many people claim that elderberry does help ease these ailments.

Benefit #2: Reducing Acne

Next, elderberry has high amounts of flavinoids, making it a strong contender for a skincare product. Flavinoids have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties – great for clearing free radicals that cause skin issues…so much so that the American Nutrition Association (ANA) has identified elderberry face wash as a viable option for clearing acne.

Benefit #3: Nutritional Value

Elderberry does contain several important nutrients. These include Vitamins A and C, potassium, folate, calcium, and iron (great for women, who are more prone to iron deficiencies).

It’s also dense in fiber, which improves bowel function, prevents constipation, and reduces blood pressure and blood cholesterol.

Elderberry and COVID-19

Some people have claimed that elderberry can also act preventatively against infection from COVID-19. This is misinformation; there is no evidence supporting elderberry having any affect on preventing or mitigating COVID-19. The FDA, in fact, has sought legal action against companies that have promoted these claims about elderberry to curb the spread of misinformation.

Bottom line

Elderberry has several nutrients that make it a great supplemental addition to your diet. While you should always stick with the old-fashioned way to feed your body the nutrients it needs-with fruits and vegetables-elderberry can act as a helpful supplement, for the same reason you might take a daily vitamin. While elderberries are not harmful to consume (so long as they’re cooked first), and in fact can be helpful in providing an immunity boost.

Consult your physician if you suspect you may have a deficiency and may benefit from taking a supplement like elderberry.

Visit Carolina Pharmacy in Charlotte, North Carolina to find a variety of Elderberry products for you and your family.

Transferring your prescription to a local independent pharmacy like Carolina Pharmacy is a relatively easy process that requires minimal work from you. Once you get the ball rolling, we take care of the rest, making the transfer as seamless as possible.

It may help to understand why customers sometimes switch from a chain to an independent pharmacy like Carolina Pharmacy. Here are a few of the advantages:

• Discounts and coupons
• Availability of compound drugs
• Service-based needs like shorter wait times, personalized care, and delivery

Read more about why people why people transfer their prescriptions here.

If you want to transfer your prescription, here’s what you need to do:

Contact us to initiate the transfer

Reach out to initiate the transfer of your prescription(s) in one of two easy ways.

1. Visit our page for transferring prescriptions
2. Call or stop by one of our locations and speak with a pharmacist. (We always enjoy meeting you in person!)

We’ll need a few pieces of personal information when you contact us including your name and date of birth, the name of the medication(s) you’d like to transfer, the name of the pharmacy that currently fills your prescription(s), and your current insurance information. If you don’t have insurance and are paying out-of-pocket, we have competitive prices and are happy to talk with you about your options.

Consider when you’ll need the medication

We always have common medications in stock. Most of the time we can order special medications for you to have in stock the next day, but it’s helpful to contact us a day in advance of the day you wish to pick them up. An extra day also helps with any delays caused by insurance or refill verifications.

Understand limited transfers

All prescriptions that are not controlled substances are available for refills. In fact, we can reach out to your doctor and have your refills sent directly to us. Please be aware that some doctors may ask you to see them for an appointment before they will refill your prescription.

Some medications are classified as controlled substances and may have a limited number of transfers or cannot be transferred. Examples of these controlled substances include Tylenol with Codeine, Xanax, and Robitussin AC or other cough suppressants with codeine. Please contact us if you have these prescriptions and we can guide you on the best approach to transferring these prescriptions to our pharmacy.

Wait for us to contact you

Once you initiate a prescription transfer, we’ll get the prescription moved to our pharmacy as quickly and efficiently as possible. We have a small but strong team and get to know each of our customers and their prescriptions well, while also providing excellent service and one-on-one time with each individual as needed. We look forward to serving your needs with the utmost in care and customer service.

And a bonus?? When you shop at Carolina Pharmacy in Charlotte, NC, you’re supporting a local small business!

After taking medication for an illness or condition, you should expect to feel better. However, some drugs can have effects on the body and may cause adverse reactions. If you’ve ever taken medication and noticed an unusual reaction in or on your body, then it’s important for you to know why it happens and if you should change your medication.

Just like food allergies, you can be allergic to certain medications. Your body can perceive certain drugs as allergens because they are not recognized in your system. Unfortunately, even with a smaller dosage, some medications will still cause a reaction.

In 2025, understanding drug reactions is more important than ever as medications become more advanced and personalized. While most drugs help treat conditions, some can trigger adverse reactions, from mild rashes to life-threatening anaphylaxis. At Carolina Pharmacy, we combine cutting-edge pharmacogenetic testing with expert care to help Charlotte residents identify and manage drug allergies safely.

Causes of Drug Allergies

When your body encounters a new medication, it may mistakenly identify the drug as a harmful invader, triggering your immune system to produce defensive antibodies. These antibodies attack the substance, leading to allergic reactions that can range from mild rashes to severe anaphylaxis. Reactions may occur immediately after the first dose or develop over time with repeated use, which is why doctors sometimes monitor patients closely when starting new medications.

Key Insight: Genetic factors and previous drug exposures can influence your risk, making personalized allergy testing a valuable preventive tool in modern healthcare.

Symptoms of Drug Allergies

These are mild symptoms of a drug reaction, with the mildest being a small rash on the body. However, drug reactions can be as severe as Anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening reaction that causes the throat to close up, making it hard for the patient to breathe.

 

Mild to Moderate	Severe (Seek Emergency Care)
Skin rash/hives	Anaphylaxis (throat swelling)
Itching	Wheezing/struggling to breathe
Mild swelling	Rapid heart rate/dizziness
Upset stomach	Confusion/loss of consciousness

How to Recognize a Drug Reaction?

Your body may react to medications it perceives as threats, triggering immune responses that release symptom-causing chemicals. Key indicators include:

• Common signs: Skin rashes (often appearing first), digestive issues, or breathing difficulties
• Timing: Symptoms typically emerge within hours of taking medication
• Subtle cases: Mild reactions may mimic other issues (like food sensitivities or skin irritation)

Pro Tip: Keep a symptom journal when starting new medications to help distinguish drug reactions from other causes.

Drug Reaction Timeline & Management

When Reactions Occur:

• Immediate (severe): Anaphylaxis develops within minutes (always requires emergency epinephrine)
• Delayed onset: Most reactions appear hours to 2 weeks after taking medication
• Variable factors: Depends on medication type and individual metabolism

Duration of Symptoms:

• Typically resolves within days/weeks after stopping the drug
• Anaphylaxis symptoms improve rapidly with epinephrine treatment
• Persistent cases may require medical detox support

Smart Prevention in 2025:
Pharmacogenetic Testing Advantages:

• Identifies high-risk medications before you take them
• Simple cheek swab with fast results
• Covered by most insurance plans
• Available at our Charlotte pharmacy

Pro Tip: Combine genetic testing with our digital symptom tracker app for complete medication safety monitoring.

Why Pharmacogenetic Testing is Your Best Defense Against Drug Reactions?

A pharmacogenetic test is one of the best ways you can save yourself from an adverse drug reaction in the future. The following are the key benefits:

1. Prevent Dangerous Reactions Before They Happen
   • Identifies medications likely to cause adverse effects based on your unique DNA
   • Helps avoid trial-and-error prescribing that could put you at risk
2. Personalized Medication Guidance
   • Reveals which drugs will work best with your biochemistry
   • Applies to both prescription and over-the-counter medications
3. Simple, Convenient Process
   • Quick cheek swab test available at our Charlotte pharmacy
   • No needles or complicated procedures
   • Fast, actionable results you can share with all your healthcare providers
4. Long-Term Health Protection
   • Creates a permanent genetic profile for future medication decisions
   • Particularly valuable for patients taking multiple medications
   • Covered by most insurance plans

“Knowledge is power – especially when it comes to your medications. Pharmacogenetic testing gives you the information you need to avoid dangerous reactions before they occur.”

Reach Out for a Free Pharmacogenetic Test Consultation in Charlotte, NC

Whether you notice a rash on day one of using your medication or you start feeling it a few days in, the first thing you always need to do is stop the medication. Mild drug reaction symptoms can start as rashes or hives and then progress into diarrhea and fever if not properly managed. It’s also just as important to get a pharmacogenetic test when you notice an unusual drug reaction.

At Carolina Pharmacy, we provide convenient pharmacogenetic testing in Charlotte, NC, to help you with any drug reactions you might have. We are devoted to your health and overall wellness, which is why we provide the highest quality prescriptions and personal healthcare services. 

Contact us to schedule your appointment today and let us help you make healthcare easy.

It’s easy to focus on the quickest and easiest way to pick up our prescriptions. But did you know there’s a difference when it comes to what type of pharmacy you choose?

The new year is the perfect time to hit the reset button on your health—but let’s be real, most resolutions fizzle out by February. Instead of setting unrealistic goals, focus on simple, science-backed habits that actually stick.

At Carolina Pharmacy, we’re sharing 10 easy (but powerful) health resolutions to help you feel your best in 2025—no extreme diets or 5 AM workouts required.

Why Small Changes Make a Big Difference

Your health isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about sustainable habits. Research shows that small, consistent changes lead to long-term success, whether you’re managing weight, stress, or chronic conditions.

Ready to make 2025 your healthiest year yet? Let’s dive in.

10 Realistic Health Resolutions for 2025

1. Eat a Healthy Diet:

A good and well-balanced diet can provide you with the essential nutrients that your body needs for proper functioning.

Nourish with Whole Foods

• Fill half your plate with colorful veggies at every meal
• Swap processed snacks for nuts, fruits or hummus dips

2. Move in Ways You Actually Enjoy:

Your body is built for motion, not for stillness. Incorporate more activity into your daily routine by taking walking meetings or parking farther from entrances. 

Find Movement You Love

• Take walking meetings or park farther to add steps
• Try beginner yoga videos at home 3x per week

3. Prioritize Sleep:

Prioritizing sleep should be part of the new year’s resolutions to better your health in 2025. Establish consistent sleep and wake times, even on weekends, to regulate your body’s internal clock. 

Upgrade Your Sleep Routine

• Set consistent bedtime/wake-up times (even weekends)
• Try magnesium supplements or chamomile tea before bed

4. Reduce Stress:

Stress is an inevitable part of life. However, learning how to manage and reduce stress levels can do wonders for your mind and physical body. In most cases, it’s not about the stress you’re feeling but the stressors around you.

Manage Daily Stress

• Practice box breathing (4 sec in/hold/out) when overwhelmed
• Schedule 15-minute “me time” blocks in your calendar

5. Drink More Water:

Water plays vital roles in your body such as maintaining your electrolyte balance, body temperature, cell health, and more. Replacing other drinks with water can be the best health investment for yourself in 2025.

Hydrate Smarter

• Start each morning with a glass of water

• Carry a marked water bottle to track intake

6. Reduce Screen Time:

Technology can help you to be more productive, but it can get distracting and get in the way of your mental and physical health. More screen time behind the computer will encourage a more sedentary lifestyle which is not beneficial for your physical health.

Reduce Screen Fatigue

• Enable grayscale mode on your phone after 8pm
• Charge devices outside the bedroom

7. Embrace the 80/20 Rule:

Adopt a balanced approach to wellness by making healthy choices 80% of the time while allowing 20% for enjoyment. Remember that occasional treats or missed workouts are normal and shouldn’t derail your overall progress.

8. Boost Natural Immunity:

Enhance your immune system naturally by incorporating immunity-boosting ingredients like garlic, ginger and turmeric into meals. During winter months, consider adding a vitamin D supplement to support immune function.

9. Prevent Before You Treat:

Take proactive health steps by scheduling your annual physical and dental cleanings in advance. Consult with your pharmacist about age-appropriate health screenings to catch potential issues early.

10. Build Your Support Team:

Take advantage of professional support by scheduling free medication reviews with our pharmacists. For social motivation, consider joining local walking groups to stay accountable while connecting with others.

Pro Tip: Rather than overwhelming yourself, focus on implementing just 2-3 of these resolutions to start. Small, consistent changes are more sustainable and will lead to lasting health improvements.

Make New Year Resolutions To Better Yourself With a Pharmacist

Contact us to work toward healthy New Year resolutions that can improve your health and let’s discuss how the team at Carolina Pharmacy can benefit you!