PHARMACY

 

General Information:

- If you have small children, you should display a current number for the Poison Control Center

in a highly visible location. Make sure that family members, older children and sitters know it

is there. Remember, even “childproof” containers can sometimes be pried open by curious

youngsters. Avoid leaving prescriptions out on countertops or tables. Store them on a high

shelf or cabinet that is very difficult for kids to access.

- The pharmacist will verify the details of your prescription and ensure that the dosage is

correct. This dosage is often based on a number of variables. Things like your height, weight,

and age, especially with children, are usually considered. Your prescription container will

have labels attached that give you important “do’s and don’ts” about the medicine you'll be

taking - be sure you fully understand them before leaving the pharmacy. If you are unsure

about something, DO NOT leave before checking with the pharmacist – your questions are

definitely welcome!

 

Methods of Delivery for Medications:

- Depending upon your needs and the type of medicine prescribed, there are a number of

ways that different medicines can be delivered to the body. Common routes of administration

include: oral (swallowed by mouth), buccal (dissolved inside the cheek), sublingual

(dissolved under the tongue), rectal (by suppository), parenteral (injected with a needle

through the skin or catheter through a vein), intramuscular or "IM" (injected with a needle

directly into muscle tissue). Medications can also be given as subcutaneous or "SC"

(injected with a needle just under the skin), topical (applied to the outer surface of the

body…on the skin, into the nose, or in the eye, etc.), and inhaled (breathed into the lungs).

 

Taking Your Medication:

- Use your medications exactly as directed by your physician. Be sure to follow the time

schedule and check the dosage carefully before you take any medication. If you have

adverse/allergic reactions – call your doctor immediately. He or she may want to stop or

change the medication.

 

Disposing of Medication:

- Unused prescription medication should be disposed of promptly and properly. This is

especially important in households where there are small children.

- It’s wise to check expiration dates on all medications in your cabinet every three months.

- If you have questions about safe disposal, you may take expired and unused medications to

your pharmacy for free disposal.

 

Your Pharmacists' Responsibilities:

• Accuracy in filling your prescriptions
• Discussing/reviewing how and when to take your medications
• Alerting you to possible side effects
• Prompt communication with your physician in the event there is any question about dosages or potential drug interactions

• Checking for known drug allergies
• Assessing compatibility with other drugs you are taking

 

Your Responsibilities:

• Know what medications you're taking, the dosage, how often you take them, how they work and possible side effects.

• Store your medication as directed.
• Keep all medications in a secure area out of children's reach and in childproof bottles.
• Never share prescription medication, even with family members.
• Keep an updated list of your current medicines (and their dosage/schedule) in your wallet or purse.
• Ask some basic questions about any new medications or altered dosages.
• Alert the pharmacist if you are taking any over the counter (OTC) medications (these are common medicines that you can buy without a doctor’s prescription).
• Stick to one pharmacy if possible. (This helps them to learn more about you and your individual needs. Most pharmacies have computer systems that keep track of basic information about you and the medicines you have received in the past. This record is for your safety – to help you avoid allergic reactions, adverse drug interactions, overdoses and duplicate prescriptions).

 

Basic Questions You Should Ask Before Leaving the Pharmacy:

• What is the name of my medication and what is it meant to do?
• When am I supposed to take my medicine?
• How should I take my medicine? (Route of administration, with or without food, etc.)
• Are there any common side effects associated with the medicine I've been given?
• How will other medications I'm taking affect, or be affected by, this new prescription?
• Should I avoid alcohol or specific foods while taking this medicine?
• Is it OK to drive while taking this medicine?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
• How should I store this medicine? (Does it need to be refrigerated, etc.)