Five Questions for Your Pharmacist
Given the high prevalence of chronic disease in the U.S., it’s likely that you or someone you love is living with an ongoing illness like heart disease or diabetes. In fact, about 133 million people (45 percent of population) are affected by at least one chronic condition. Fortunately, taking medications as directed can significantly improve health outcomes for people with chronic conditions. What’s more, talking to a pharmacist can help patients get off on the right foot with a new medication regiment. Chicago-based pharmacist at CVS/pharmacy, Martha Zavalla, recommends these five questions to help you get the conversation started with your pharmacist.
How do I take my medication correctly?
Knowing how and when to take a medication will help maximize its effectiveness. For example, some drugs are best taken with food or at bedtime.
What are the possible side effects?
Your pharmacist can tell you the possible side effects, how likely they are, and what to do if they happen. Most side effects go away with time or can be managed by simple measures. Others are more serious and require a conversation with your doctor immediately.
Why is it important to stick to my medication therapy?
As your pharmacist will explain, medicine only works when it is taken as directed, and not doing so may lead to poor health and extra medical costs.
Are there any potential drug interactions with the medications I am already taking?
Some drugs do not interact well with others and can result in a decrease in effectiveness or even an increase in the toxicity of the drug. Your pharmacist can help you reduce the risk of dangerous drug interactions. It’s best to bring all of your prescriptions to one pharmacy, creating a “pharmacy home.” And, make your pharmacist aware of all prescriptions and over-the-counter medications you take.
How can I save money on prescription drugs?
Your pharmacist can inform you about less expensive, generic alternatives to your brand name drugs, or about other cost-saving measures such as, using a mail-order pharmacy.
Addressing such questions with your pharmacist can help make treatment of a chronic disease more manageable, ultimately leading to better health.
