Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Pharmacist to Ensure Health & Safety

Whether you’re picking up a new prescription, refilling an ongoing medication, or just need some guidance, your pharmacist is a valuable resource. They are happy to answer any questions you might have and help ensure your health and safety.

But what are some questions you should ask when visiting your pharmacist? Many of us simply pick up our medications without asking the right questions - leaving us unaware of potential risks or missing opportunities to optimize our health. Likewise, if your medication comes through the mail, pharmacists are available for you to call and ask questions.

To help you make the most out of every pharmacy visit, we’ve put together a list of the top five questions you should ask your pharmacist to ensure your medications are working safely and effectively.

1. Are there side effects I should be aware of when taking this medication?

Prescription and over-the-counter medications may include side effects when taking them, so it is important to know what those side effects may be and to understand what to expect. Side effects occur when a drug produces an unintended effect, typically due to the way it interacts with your body. While some side effects are mild and temporary, others can be more serious and, in rare cases, may require medical attention. 

Being informed about potential side effects can help you manage unpleasant reactions or know what to look out for. All drugs may cause side effects, however, many people often will not experience a side effect or may only have a mild side effect. For example, antibiotics like amoxicillin could cause diarrhea, rashes, and stomach pains for some patients. Atenolol, which is used to treat high blood pressure, has side effects which include dizziness, cold fingers or toes, and nausea or vomiting. Knowing this in advance means you can recognize and/or prepare for these symptoms early on. Be proactive and communicate with your doctor or pharmacist.

2. Are there foods or drinks I should stay away from when taking certain medicine?

Food and drink can have a significant impact on how a medication works. Some foods can change a drug’s effectiveness by interfering with this absorption. In some cases it can render the drug completely ineffective or even cause dangerous reactions.

Metronidazole, an antibiotic used in treating certain infections, must not be taken with any alcohol because it can cause severe nausea and vomiting. In fact, patients must avoid any alcohol consumption (even mouthwash) while taking metronidazole and for a few days afterwards. On the other hand some medications are required to be taken with food or drink, so it is important to ask your Pharmacist if there are any dietary restrictions or food and drinks to avoid when taking certain medications.

Grapefruit is an example of something that interacts with several medications, including cholesterol-lowering drugs, and certain blood pressure medications. The grapefruit can interfere with the enzymes that break down these drugs, potentially increasing the concentration of the drug in your blood stream, leading to unintentional affects

3. What drug interactions should I be aware of?

A drug interaction occurs when a drug reacts with another drug, food, drink, supplement, or medical condition. They can cause unexpected side effects or make a drug more or less effective - potentially causing harmful reactions. These interactions can occur between prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and even certain supplements.

It is important to ask your pharmacist about this because drug interactions can be dangerous and are more common than you might think - especially for those taking multiple medications. Ibuprofen(Advil) is a popular over-the-counter medication often taken for pain relief, but if combined with other prescription medications that are used to treat blood clots like warfarin or rivaroxaban, it can increase the risk of bleeding. 

Combining these medications can increase the risk of bleeding in the stomach or intestines. Your pharmacist can help you navigate these potential risks and suggest alternative medications or dosing schedules that reduce the risk of harmful drug interactions.

What’s the best way to store or travel with medicine?

How you store your medications plays an important role in ensuring they remain effective. Some medications need to be kept at a certain temperature, in a dry place, or away from light to prevent degradation. Traveling with medications requires a little extra care, too, especially if you’re crossing time zones or traveling internationally.

Most medications should be kept between 59 and 77 degrees in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Certain medications like insulin need to be stored in a refrigerator until opened and used but should never be frozen. Storing your medications correctly can ensure that the chemicals and components don’t break down and that they maintain their stability and effectiveness.

Here are some tips for storing medication at home:

• Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Keep medications in cool, dry areas away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight. Bathrooms and kitchens are typically not ideal due to moisture and temperature changes.
• Use a Secure Location: For medications that may be prone to misuse or are controlled substances, store them in a locked cabinet or safe to prevent unauthorized access, especially if you have young children in the house.
• Keep medications in Their Original Containers: Keeping medications in their original bottles or packaging with labels intact helps avoid confusion and retains vital information such as expiration dates and dosage instructions.
• Check Expiration Dates Regularly: Make sure you periodically check your medication’s expiration dates and dispose of any expired medications, as they may lose potency or be harmful to take.

Here are some tips for storing and transporting medication when traveling:

• Keep Medication in Original Packaging: Storing medications in their original packaging can help avoid confusion and ensure that you have the correct dosage instructions. This will also help when going through customs or airport security.
• Bring a Doctor’s Note of Prescription: This can be especially helpful when travelling internationally or carrying controlled substances. Bringing a doctor’s note or a copy of your prescription can help avoid issues at border checks or airport security.
• Pack Medication in Carry-On Luggage: Keep medications in your carry-on bag rather than checked luggage to ensure access during the flight and avoid delays or loss of medication.
• Bring Extra Medication: Carrying extra doses in case of travel delays, trip extensions, etc is a good idea to ensure that you don’t skip out on taking medications.
• Consider Temperature Requirements: As stated before, many medications need to be stored at specific temperature ranges and some need to be refrigerated. This can be tricky when traveling. If your medication requires refrigeration, use a portable cooler or insulated bag with ice packs. If it needs to be kept at room temperature, ensure that it is protected from high heat or extreme cold.
• Use Pill Organizers or Reminders: If you are taking multiple medications, using a pill organizer to keep everything sorted. Setting alarms or reminders on your phone can help you stay on schedule with your doses.
• Medication List: If you are taking multiple medications, having a list of all the medications you take and how often can be extremely helpful in an emergency situation. 

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Life happens, and sometimes you may forget to take your medications. Missing a dose can be worrying, but the important thing is knowing how to handle it safely. The consequences of missing a dose depends on the medication you’re taking. For example, missing a dose of diabetes medication can cause a potential increase in blood sugar, while missing several doses of antibiotics can result in the development of antibiotic resistance.

It is important to ask your pharmacist about what you should do in case you miss a dosage. As medications can vary, it is essential to know whether you should take the missed dose as soon as possible, wait until the next dose, or take a different course of action. Knowing how to handle missed doses can prevent unnecessary complications and ensure you’re following your prescription effectively. It is very important you never double up on your next dose, without consulting with a healthcare professional first.

Making the Most of Your Pharmacy Visit

Your local pharmacist is one of your most accessible healthcare resources, and taking the time to ask the right questions can help ensure you stay healthy and safe while taking your medications. From understanding side effects to preventing harmful drug interactions, pharmacists are trained to provide you with expert guidance in regards to your medications and medication regimen.

With SmithRx, you have access to over 65,000 retail pharmacies, specialty pharmacies, and mail-order services through our easy-to-use platform. Our Find My Meds Tool via the Member Portal can help you locate your preferred pharmacy and stay on top of your prescriptions. What to learn more? Speak with a SmithRx representative to discover how we can help you access low-cost prescriptions and save money.

^{***Disclaimer. The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider, doctor, or pharmacist for guidance regarding any health-related concerns, diagnoses, or treatment options. SmithRx does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information presented in this post.}