Pharmacists are an integral part of the healthcare team...

Often, pharmacists and physicians work together to provide optimum health outcomes for their patients.  Check out the videos and resources below to learn how your pharmacist collaborates with physicians to provide you the best possible treatment and healthcare solutions.

Top 15 questions to ask your pharmacist:

1. What are the brand name and generic name of this medication? 
2. Can I take a generic version of this medication? 
3.  What am I taking this medication for? 
4. Does this new prescription mean I should stop taking any other medications I'm taking now? 
5. How do I take the medicine and how often do I take it? If I need to take it three times a day, does that mean to take it at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or to take it every 8 hours? 
6. Do I need to take it all, or should I stop when I feel better? 
7. How long will I be taking it? Can I get a refill? How often can I get a refill? 
8. Are there any tests I need to take while I'm on this medication? 
9. When Should I expect the medicine to start working? How can I tell if it's working? 
10. When should I tell the doctor about a problem or side effect? 
11. Are there foods, drinks (including alcoholic beverages), other medicines, or activities to avoid while I'm taking this medicine? 
12. What are the side effects that can happen with this medicine? 
13. What should I do if I have a side effect? 
14. What happens if I miss a dose? 
15. What printed information can you give me about this medicine?

Many people think of their pharmacists as just dispensers of medication at their local pharmacy, however pharmacists are much more than that. They are a vital resource to patients in managing their health and can provide many services to you and your employees. Pharmacists can provide in depth consultations about your medications, help manage and monitor your medical conditions and answer questions that you have about your health and how medications and lifestyle modifications can work hand in hand. As part of the healthcare team, they can also provide health screenings and administer immunizations. Take time to talk with your pharmacist it’s a great investment in your health!

"Why Is Your Pharmacist Important to You?" by Mackenzie Magid, PharmD Candidate 2018, University of Kansas

Kansas Council of Health-System Pharmacists: MyPharmacist Video

Additional Resources

View more videos like this on the APhA YouTube Channel.	This video courtesy of "Issues that Matter" a public television program.

 

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