**Please ask your pharmacist for a Medication Review: a complete list of your medications/allergies/conditions to take to your prescriber, for travel, or your own records. This list ensures that you and your prescriber have the correct and current medication list to prevent errors in your medication or treatment.**
Each of our nine Island Pharmacy locations prioritizes your health – but we also prioritize your trust and comfort.
That’s why, in today’s blog, we’re outlining the key questions you should be asking your pharmacist… whether it be your first time visiting Island Pharmacy or your hundredth time!
“Are There Any Medication Changes I Should Be Aware Of?”
This first question has two parts: have any medications been added, stopped, and/or changed? If so, why? It’s important to cover all your bases with this one and to have open communication with your pharmacist about the current status of your medications. Like all good relationships, the relationship you have with your pharmacist is built on trust and honesty on both sides. The stronger your rapport is with your pharmacist, the better chance you have of changing your health for the best
If any of your medications have been supplemented, ended, or modified, it’s important to know why. Don’t be shy in asking your pharmacist why this has occurred and what the reasons are for the change in medication. If you’ve been prescribed a new medication, it’s a good idea to ask about potential side effects and how you can watch for them.
Your health and safety comes first. Talk to your pharmacist if you feel uncertain or uncomfortable about any adjustments made to your medications.
“What is the Proper Usage of My Current Medication?”
This is necessary if you are being prescribed a new medication. All medications are different, and what may be the proper usage and correct dosage for one medication may be incorrect and unsafe for another.
It is helpful to have a visible sheet with the types of medications you take, what they are used for, and what is the correct dosage.
However, it’s never too late to re-confirm how you’re supposed to be taking your current medication.
“How Should I Follow Up on This Prescription?”
While phone call follow-ups are all well and good, a visit to the doctor or a lab visit after a certain amount of time, depending on the prescription, is better. Make a follow-up appointment with your family physician or pharmacist to discuss if the prescription is working well for you or if it has the opposite effect.
Before your appointment, it is a good idea to prepare a list of questions you might want to ask your doctor or pharmacist. Their job is to ensure that you are satisfied with your healthcare and to set any concerns or confusion surrounding your medications to rest.
Visit an Island Pharmacy location, like the one in Shawnigan Lake, where our people make the time to listen to you and to discuss your medical needs.
Come in or give us a call today to make an appointment and ask any questions you may have about your medications. Our team of pharmacists is community-oriented, meaning they live in the same communities as our nine locations, and we are always happy to answer questions and mollify any concerns. Thank you for choosing Island Pharmacy!
