Black pharmacist writing

What can you ask the pharmacist? We typically think about heading to the doctor when we don’t feel well. Still, a pharmacist is a highly qualified healthcare provider who can answer specific questions about medications and health conditions.

Although their expertise is invaluable, getting an appointment can be difficult, and you may have to wait much longer than you had hoped.

Luckily, there are many things your pharmacist can help you with, including over-the-counter medications and advice on managing your health conditions at home.

Your pharmacist is a wellness and drug expert. Most pharmacists have a Doctorate of Pharmacy and are trained in managing chronic conditions. 

They deeply understand what medications do and what symptoms can be easily managed with over-the-counter medications.

Pharmacists can administer vaccinations and, in some instances, prescribe medications.

Pharmacists continue to be among the most trusted professionals in the United States. They are available, approachable, and reliable. Did you know that pharmacists have more training in medications than physicians?

Pharmacists check for drug interactions, calculate doses, make recommendations to your doctors, catch mistakes, and answer your questions.

woman pharmacist in pink scrubs

Symptoms to Ask Your Pharmacist About

1. Cold and Flu Symptoms

While COVID-19 made us feel like going near someone with a cold was a big no-no, you can ask your pharmacist how to treat the symptoms of a cold and flu with over-the-counter products. Therapy may include topical medications and humidifiers.

Hot Toddies are one of the most common at-home remedies that pharmacists are asked about in addition to over-the-counter medications.

If you need to alleviate a cough, a runny nose, sore throat, congestion, a fever, or body aches, your pharmacist can help you to find the best treatment with minimal side effects so that you can shake that nasty cold or flu as soon as possible. 

It’s a good idea to wear your face mask to protect others when you do. Don’t forget to ask about vaccinations. Be sure to let a pharmacist know if you have high blood pressure.

2. Minor Aches, Pains, and Headaches

A pharmacist can advise you on the best over-the-counter medicine for whatever ache you may have, whether it be a muscular ache, joint ache, headache or migraine, back pain, toothache, or period pain. 

Not all over-the-counter pain medication relievers are safe. Be sure to tell your pharmacist if you have a medication allergy or kidney issues. Did you know that too much acetaminophen can lead to severe liver damage?

3. Diabetes

If you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, managing your insulin can be daunting. 

While you will primarily be working with your doctor, you can ask the pharmacist questions, and they can help you administer your insulin until you are confident doing it alone. A pharmacist can assist you with your blood sugar glucometer and testing supplies.

Patients with diabetes also have other medical concerns, such as dry skin and nerve pain. Your pharmacist will also help select medications for cough and cold symptoms that are safe for diabetics.

4. Skin Problems

You can also ask the pharmacist about any minor skin complaints you or your family may be experiencing, such as eczema, mild acne, diaper rash, athlete’s foot, allergies, contact dermatitis, scabies, skin rashes, cold sores, warts, among many others.

They will determine which medication or ointment will treat your skin condition best based on symptoms and medical history. Topical treatments include moisturizers, cleansers, and oral antihistamines.

5. Ear, Nose, and Throat Problems

Pharmacists can also help you with minor ear, nose, or throat problems, such as allergy-induced conjunctivitis or rhinitis, mouth ulcers, ear infections, earache, or earwax build-up.

If you are unsure whether your condition is self-treatable, ask a pharmacist to rule out more complicated conditions that may require a doctor’s appointment.

A pharmacist can recommend the most suitable medicines to treat your symptoms. Common treatments include over-the-counter steroid nasal sprays or humidifiers for congestion.

6. Sexual Health

You can always ask a pharmacist about any discomfort you’re having or any questions you have about contraception. 

Did you know that there are some instances when emergency contraception may not be effective?

Pharmacists can also recommend products to manage menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and vaginal discomfort.

7. Eye Care

Your pharmacist can help you with minor eye problems such as styes and itchy and dry eyes. There are a wide variety of eye drops available to treat common eye disorders. Pharmacists are able to identify whether the conditon is due to a medication side effect, chronic medical condition or environmental irritation.

Your pharmacist can also teach you the proper way to adminster eye drops to avoid contamination. Keep in mind, that not all eye conditions are self-treatable and may require a referral to an eye care specialist or medical attention.

8. Stomach Aches

A pharmacist will also be able to advise you on the best treatment for stomach aches and minor digestive issues, including diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux, a stomach bug, food poisoning, as well as hemorrhoids.

Heartburn is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints and may be confused with more severe health conditions. Your pharmacist is trained to ask the right questions to determine which over-the-counter medication is right for you.

Ask Your Pharmacist These Questions When Picking up a Prescription:

20+ Questions to Ask Your Pharmacist - image headache-g0545132fa_1280-1024x682 on https://yourselfcareprescription.com

Do you know what to ask your pharmacist when it comes to self-care?

The WHO defines self-care as “Self-care is the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a health worker.” A licensed pharmacist is an accessible resource for caring for your everyday health conditions at home. 

The next time you walk down the Over-the-Counter aisle in your community pharmacy, check with the pharmacist before deciding.

1. Can I take this Medication with my existing Health Conditions?

It may seem easy to walk into a pharmacy looking for an over-the-counter pain reliever for your menstrual cramps or dental pain, but there are some things you should know. 

The most common OTC pain relievers contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen as the active ingredient.

 If you have heart failure or kidney disease, then ibuprofen is not recommended.

 If you have liver disease, then acetaminophen is not recommended. Additional health conditions that may be affected by certain over-the-counter medications include pregnancy, breastfeeding, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

2. Can I Take This Medication with my Current Medications?

As medication experts, pharmacists are knowledgeable about drug interactions and can tell you if there is any risk associated with taking an over-the-counter medication with your current prescription. 

For example, some prescription pain relievers contain acetaminophen. If you are looking for a cough syrup, one which includes acetaminophen may not be recommended because your current prescription already has it. 

There is a limit to the amount of acetaminophen taken to avoid an overdose.

3. When Should I Contact My Doctor?

At-home remedies can be helpful when alleviating symptoms, but they may only sometimes solve the problem. 

If your condition does not improve within seven days or if it appears to get worse, then you should contact a doctor. Ask your pharmacist which symptoms or side effects to look for.

4. Can I take this if I’m pregnant?

Some medications should not be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. For example, some antibiotics may cause birth defects. 

Most doctors advise pregnant persons to avoid medications during the first three months. Cough and cold medicines that contain guaifenesin should be avoided.

5. Do I need to take this with food?

It is important to ask if food affects the way a medication works. Some medications need to be taken with food to avoid stomach upset.

What Your Pharmacist Wants You to Know

20+ Questions to Ask Your Pharmacist - image IMG_1244-2-1024x1024 on https://yourselfcareprescription.com

Your pharmacist is a medical professional who wants only the best for you. 

That’s why we’re here to help you understand how to get the most out of your medications and supplements and what you need to know about taking them safely.

1.  Don’t assume your prescription will work for you.

When you leave the pharmacy with a new prescription, please don’t assume it will work for you.

Your pharmacist may ask if any alternative medications could be more effective for your symptoms or if there are other ways to help with your condition. 

They can also provide information on potential side effects and interactions between medications.

2.  Know about the side effects of your medications.

Most prescription medications will have side effects. A side effect is anything that can happen after taking the drug. The most common side effects include nausea, drowsiness, or headache. Be sure to ask about side effects that require discontinuation and notification of your doctor.

Sometimes an undesirable effect starts as soon as treatment begins but may stop after several weeks of taking a medicine; these are called temporary changes or short-term reactions.

3.  Be aware of interactions between medications and supplements.

There are many ways in which medications and supplements interact. 

Drugs can interfere with absorption or affect other substances’ metabolism, while supplements can enhance or inhibit the effects of drugs.

 It is essential to be aware of these interactions and to consult your pharmacist before taking any new medication, supplement, herb, or over-the-counter product. 

Pharmacists are trained to know about all drug-herb/supplement interactions and how they may affect patients taking multiple medications.

4.  Read the instructions on your prescriptions.

Be sure you’re familiar with all the instructions on your prescription. 

Your doctor may only sometimes explain everything at the appointment, or you may not remember.  If you have any questions, feel free to ask your pharmacist.

5.  Don’t assume you know what’s in your medication.

But don’t assume you know what’s in your medication. If you have any questions, ask the pharmacist. 

And if they don’t have the answer, they will be able to find it for you. They can also help ensure that it is the proper medication for you and contains no ingredients that might cause an allergic reaction or interaction with other drugs or supplements you take.

6.  Remember that vitamins and herbal supplements can be dangerous.

You may be taking a vitamin or other herbal supplement for its health benefits but be aware that vitamins and herbal supplements can interact with your prescription medications and cause serious side effects. 

Doctors also warn that taking an excessive amount of any vitamin or herbal supplement can be dangerous.

 If you’re considering adding these to your regimen, you should consult your doctor first.

7.  Be careful about mixing medications with alcohol, even over-the-counter ones.

Alcohol and medications are a dangerous combination.

Even if you’re taking an over-the-counter medication for pain or allergies, mixing it with alcohol can cause serious side effects. 

Alcohol affects how your body breaks down drugs, which can be very dangerous and even life-threatening.

8.  Use only one pharmacy 

Using only one pharmacy means your pharmacist can monitor all your medications, even those from other pharmacies, to ensure they work correctly.

Your pharmacist can work with you to ensure that you take the proper medications at the right time and in the right doses. He or she can help identify any interactions between drugs so that you don’t accidentally overdose on something or cause an adverse reaction.

Takeaway

The next time you visit the pharmacy, ask your pharmacist to assist you. The pharmacist is a wellness expert on what’s best for you. 

They can help you understand how your medication will work for you, and they can let you know about the side effects of your drug. 

Pharmacists also know what interactions may occur between drugs and supplements, so they’ll be able to help make sure that you get the safest treatment possible. 

If there’s anything that needs to be clarified or clarified when picking up your prescription, feel free to ask questions!

Common Questions to Ask a Pharmacist

20+ Questions to Ask Your Pharmacist - image medicines-gd2c98012e_1280-1024x682 on https://yourselfcareprescription.com

1.  Do prescription medications expire?

Yes, prescription medications do expire. If you look at your prescription bottle, there is an expiration date. 

Most prescriptions are given an expiration date of one year from dispensing. Manufacturers are legally required to stamp an expiration date on their medication bottles.

 If taken after this date, the manufacturer cannot guarantee the full potency and safety of the drug.

2.  What happens if I take my medication after the expiration date?

Should you decide to take that antibiotic or NSAID hiding in the back of the medicine cabinet, there is no definite answer as to whether the medication is still effective or safe. 

A healthcare professional will always err on the side of caution and say to toss it.

3.  How do I dispose of medications?

When your medication expires, you must dispose of it properly. The best way to do this is through a drug take-back program. 

If that is not an option, some drugs may be flushed, and others can be thrown in the trash. Ask your pharmacist which medications require particular disposal.

4.  What is the difference between a brand and a generic medication?

The main difference between a brand and a generic medication is the inactive ingredients. Both contain the same active medication or drug. 

However, the flavoring, preservatives, and dyes may be different. The FDA requires generic medications to be the same as the brand name in dosage, safety, and effectiveness.

5.  Is it possible to be allergic to some medications?

A drug allergy is when your body reacts to a medication. It is possible to be allergic to a specific medicine or inactive ingredient.

 The most common symptoms of an allergic reaction are hives, rash, or fever. Severe reactions may be life-threatening and cause difficulty breathing.

6.  Is Plan B still available?

Plan B, the emergency contraceptive, is still available at local pharmacies. Some specific medications and supplements may affect how Plan B works. 

Ask your pharmacist about your medications to determine if they are right for you.

7.  What are probiotics and prebiotics?

Your doctor may have mentioned a probiotic when prescribing an antibiotic. 

Probiotics are supplements that contain good bacteria to improve gut health. Prebiotics are plant fibers that stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.

8.  What is an FSA account?

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a savings account that allows you to use tax-free dollars to pay for healthcare costs. There is also a dependent care FSA.

How much money can you contribute?

In 2023, you can contribute up to $3,050. Your employer can lower that limit. Check out this article from Forbes advisor Kemberley Washington.

What you may not know is covered (may vary per employer):

  • Menstrual care products
  • Acupuncture
  • Chiropractic care
  • Colon hydrotherapy
  • Hand sanitizers
  • Sunscreen
  • Therapy
  • Mileage (to/from appointments)
  • Masks
  • Massage Therapy
  • Invisalign
  • Acne treatments
  • Lip balm

Places to use your FSA Card:

9.  How do I travel with Medications?

TSA does not prohibit travel with medications. Medications may be packed in pill cases or prescription bottles.

Some states may require that certain medications contain a prescription label. If you have a liquid medication, it can also be more than 3.4 ounces. 

Make sure to travel with a list of medications and your insurance card just in case you lose it or forget to pack it.

 If you are traveling out of the country, be advised that each country has its medicines-related laws.

10.  Is it safe to purchase medications in other countries?

Some countries sell common medications without a prescription.  Counterfeit drugs are common abroad. Medications are not regulated, may not be manufactured under the same standards, and cannot be guaranteed safe.

8 Questions You Should Be Asking Your Pharmacist (But Probably Aren’t)

When it comes to your health and well-being, your pharmacist is a valuable source of information.

Unfortunately, many people do not take full advantage of this resource. To help you get the most out of your pharmacist, here are eight essential questions to ask your pharmacist that you may not have considered.

 By asking the right pharmacist questions, you can ensure that you get the best advice possible for your individual needs.

1) How can I save money on my prescriptions?

You can use a few strategies when saving money on your prescriptions. First, talk to your pharmacist about possible generic versions of your medicine that may be more affordable. 

Your pharmacist can also help you find discounts and other money-saving ways. Additionally, consider asking your doctor if you can take any over-the-counter (OTC) medicines instead of a prescription drug. 

OTC medicines may be less expensive than their prescription counterparts. It’s important to remember that OTC drugs still have potential side effects and should always be taken as directed. 

If you are considering an OTC medicine, discuss it with your pharmacist first.

2) What are the side effects of this medication?

Medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can come with side effects. It’s important to talk to your pharmacist about any potential medication side effects.

Side effects vary from one medication to the next and can range from mild to severe. Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, or changes in appetite.

 Less common side effects may include fatigue, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, increased heart rate, or rash. It’s important to remember that the severity of side effects can differ from person to person. 

Your pharmacist can advise you on any medication you take and inform you of any potential side effects. 

They may also suggest alternative treatments or over-the-counter medicines that don’t have the same side effects.

3) What are the interactions between this medication and others I’m taking?

When it comes to understanding the potential interactions between different medications, there is no substitute for a conversation with your pharmacist. 

Your pharmacist can inform you of the interactions between prescription drugs and any over-the-counter medications you use. 

This includes possible drug-to-drug interactions and interactions between prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications. 

For example, some common over-the-counter medications can interact with certain prescription medications. Ibuprofen, for example, can increase the risk of stomach irritation or bleeding when combined with specific blood thinners such as warfarin. 

Aspirin can also interact with certain blood thinners and other medications. It’s important to talk to your pharmacist about any over-the-counter medications you take to ensure they won’t interfere with any prescription drugs you’re taking. 

Your pharmacist is also knowledgeable about the interactions between different prescription drugs, which can also be dangerous.

 For example, some medications can increase the potency of other medications, leading to an increased risk of side effects or even overdose. It’s important to let your pharmacist know all the medications you are taking so that he or she can help you identify any potential interactions between them. 

By asking your pharmacist about the interactions between any medications you are taking—both prescription and over-the-counter—, you can ensure that you benefit most from your medication and reduce your risk of experiencing dangerous side effects.

4) How long will it take for this medication to start working?

The answer to this question depends on what kind of medication you are taking. If you are taking an over-the-counter medicine, it may take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or two before you start to feel the effects.

However, if you are taking prescription medication, it could take up to several weeks before you notice a difference.

The best way to determine how quickly your medication will work is to talk to your pharmacist. They can provide information about your prescription’s expected onset time and help you determine the best course of action for achieving your desired results.

5) How long will I need to take this medication?

The amount of time you need to take a medication depends on the type of medication, the reason for taking it, and your health history. 

For example, if you’re taking antibiotics for an infection, you will likely need to finish the course of medication as prescribed. 

If you are taking a prescription drug for chronic conditions such as hypertension, you may need to take the medication for an extended time. 

Over-the-counter medications typically have instructions on their label or packaging indicating how long to take them. Reading and following the instructions is essential to get the most benefit from your medication. 

If you have questions about how long to take medication, you should speak with your doctor or pharmacist. They can provide advice tailored to your individual needs.

6) What are the possible complications of this medication?

Medications can come with a range of potential complications and side effects. It’s important to talk to your pharmacist about the possible complications of taking a particular medication. 

This is especially true if you’re taking any over-the-counter medicines, which often have unexpected interactions with certain medications.

Typical complications from certain medications include drowsiness, nausea, headaches, and dizziness. 

Other, more serious side effects can include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, rashes, and changes in blood pressure. Some medications can also cause damage to the liver or kidneys if taken for long periods, so it’s important to discuss these possibilities with your pharmacist before starting any new prescription.

Your pharmacist can provide more information about the potential complications of any medications you’re taking, so make sure you ask plenty of questions.

 Sometimes, your pharmacist may even recommend an alternative over-the-counter medicine that may be better suited to your needs.

7) What should I do if I miss a dose of this medication?

If you miss a dose of your medication, it’s important to check with your pharmacist before taking any action.

Depending on the specific medication and dosage, your pharmacist may recommend that you take the missed dose as soon as possible or skip it altogether.

 If you are taking over-the-counter medicine for the same condition, you should also consult your pharmacist about possible interactions between the two medications.

Sometimes, your pharmacist may suggest that you double up on the next dose of your medication. It’s important to follow your pharmacist’s advice regarding medication dosing, as this can help ensure that you experience the full benefit of the medication while avoiding adverse side effects.

8) What are the storage requirements for this medication?

Properly storing your medications is important to taking them safely and effectively. Many medications have specific storage requirements to ensure they remain effective and safe. 

Over-the-counter medicines should typically be stored at room temperature (59-86°F). Additionally, you should keep these medications away from moisture and direct sunlight.

Certain over-the-counter medicines, such as eye drops and nasal sprays, must be stored in the refrigerator. Be sure to read the label of your over-the-counter medicine for storage instructions before purchasing. 

If you have any questions about the storage requirements for your medication, make sure to ask your pharmacist.

Conclusion of Ask the Pharmacist

These are just some of the symptoms and conditions you can ask a pharmacist about, and if you are unsure what is causing your symptoms, a pharmacist is an excellent option for getting the advice you need. 

As medication and wellness experts, pharmacists can advise on healthy lifestyles through a nutritious diet, vitamins, exercise, and self-care.

If, for any reason, they can’t help you, they’ll first advise you on the following steps to take so you can start feeling better as soon as possible.

Next time you’re not feeling quite yourself or trying to decide which over-the-counter medication is best for you, please ask a pharmacist.

If you have questions regarding new prescriptions, health concerns, supplements, or nonprescription medications, please feel free to ask the pharmacist, Dr. Alisha Reed.

The content on this site is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute medical advice.

Similar Posts