Your Pharmacist’s Medication Tips for You and Your Family
To get the most out of a treatment, it’s important to take it as prescribed. However, you may sometimes run into some problems or have some questions. In such cases, you can count on your pharmacist to find solutions for you.
My teenager feels ill after taking some medication. What should we do?
If you think a treatment may be causing an adverse effect, contact your pharmacist. The effects may be caused by the medication, may be a symptom of the health condition being treated, or even be due to another health issue.
Most adverse effects are minor and disappear on their own. If not, they can usually be relieved through simple measures or over-the-counter products. It is rare that a treatment has to be stopped due to adverse effects. Regardless of the situation, your pharmacist is here to help you find a solution.
My spouse is already taking several types of medication. How do we know if a new treatment is compatible with the others?
Are you worried about potential interactions between various treatments? Your pharmacist is knowledgeable in this matter. Over-the-counter medication, natural health products, and even certain foods can cause an interaction with prescription medication. Some drug interactions are more serious than others. Your pharmacist can analyze the situation and make the appropriate recommendations.
I feel much better since I started taking my medication. Can I stop taking it now?
Unless you’ve been instructed otherwise, you should never stop a treatment without first consulting your pharmacist or doctor. The duration of a treatment depends on various factors, particularly the nature of the disease. An acute illness, such as an infection, usually needs to be treated until the illness has been cured, whereas a chronic disease, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, requires a long-term or even life-long treatment.
If you have any concerns regarding the duration of your treatment, your pharmacist can answer your questions and make the appropriate recommendations.
Can I share my medication with someone who has the same health problem I have?
The answer, very simply, is NO. Under no circumstances should you share your medication with someone else without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The other person may already be taking medication that is not compatible with yours, or may have a health problem that is incompatible with the effects of your medication. Even though you are trying to help, you may actually be harming this person!
There are non-prescription and natural products available for my health problem. How do I choose the right product?
Ask your pharmacist for advice, especially if you’re already taking other medication. Your pharmacist will ask you some questions about your symptoms, health conditions and current medications, as well as will give you tips to help relieve or prevent your symptoms, or will recommend a suitable product for your needs. Your pharmacist may also refer you to your doctor, if necessary.
Are you familiar with all the services that pharmacists can offer?
Your pharmacist will assess your situation and make the appropriate recommendation, such as discussing lifestyle factors, recommending an over the counter medication or referring you to a doctor. In many provinces, pharmacists can also prescribe certain types of medication for minor health problems. Some fees may apply for this service. For more information, don’t hesitate to consult your pharmacist.
In conclusion, pharmacists are an available and accessible health resource, usually without an appointment, any day of the week. Consult them if you have any questions about your health.
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The information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subject matter or to replace the advice of a health professional. This information does not constitute medical consultation, diagnosis or opinion and should not be interpreted as such. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions about your health, medications or treatment.