Why You Should Visit Your Local Pharmacy
Need some pharmaceutical advice? Why not head on down to the local pharmacy? Pharmacists are one of the most underrated yet most accessible people with the medical know-how to answer your medicine-related queries. Plus, you won’t even need an appointment and will probably be paying a lot less!
Keep reading to find out why we think you should take advantage of the pharmacist in your community when seeking advice on medicine.
They can answer all your medicine-related queries
Pharmacists are specialists in medication. They can help you understand why your doctor prescribed certain drugs and ensure that you know what they are supposed to treat, how you are supposed to take it, and what possible side effects there are for each drug. If you have a regular pharmacy where you go to fill your prescriptions, it’s even better as your pharmacist will get to know you and your medical conditions and make sure that the drugs you are taking are working well for you.
They can help you keep your medication list current
If you have been prescribed medicine from several doctors, your medication list can often get confusing and out-of-date. All your doctors should know all the medicines you are on and the ones that you have stopped or adjusted dosages of. For the sake of your own health and for the ease of your doctor, it’s a good idea to always have a current medication list on hand. Whenever one of your prescriptions change, ask your pharmacist to produce an updated list for you so all your doctors and even your dentist will know what drugs you are currently using.
They will save you money
Medication can get expensive. Pharmacists know about each drug and the possible alternatives that could save you a lot of money. They can help review your medication list to see if there are any generic brand alternatives to expensive brand names that you may currently be using. You stand to save quite a bit thanks to the local pharmacist.
They offer vaccinations
This one may vary from location to location, but in many places, pharmacists are allowed to administer vaccinations. They often have more office hours and not as many lines and waiting times so you can protect yourself against different ailments conveniently. You probably won’t even need an appointment! Get in touch with your local pharmacy to see what they provide.
They ensure that you store your medication properly
Not all medications are the same, and oftentimes you have to store different ones in a different manner. It’s important for you to learn how to store your medication properly in conditions of the right temperature, the right moisture, in areas where children or pets cannot access them. Your local pharmacist can teach you how to store your medication properly and dispose of it properly so that no one ends up accidentally poisoning themselves, abusing it, or misusing it.
They make sure none of your medications are clashing
You don’t need a prescription for over-the-counter medicines. However, there is still a chance that some of them will interact with prescription drugs you are taking which may decrease their effectiveness or even harm you. A pharmacist will take note of exactly what you are taking to ensure that any additional over-the-counter drugs will have no effect on your other medications.
It’s obvious that pharmacists are incredibly helpful and accessible health care providers probably just around the corner from your home. Next time you have an inquiry about medication, don’t be afraid to pay them a visit!
