People’s perceptions of pharmacists are often only limited to filling prescriptions. However, pharmacists can provide so much more than that. With their education and training, they are well-equipped to handle other medical-related concerns. Here are just some of the less-known things pharmacists can help you with.
Over-the-Counter Drug Recommendations
Over-the-counter drugs are called such because you don’t really need a doctor’s prescription to acquire them. However, that doesn’t mean you no longer require expert advice regarding the use of over-the-counter medications.
If you’re not really sure what over-the-counter medication to get for your symptoms, a pharmacist can offer you some help. With their vast knowledge of pharmaceutical drugs, they’ll be able to go through your options with you.
Your local pharmacist can inform you about the pros and cons of the different options available to you and provide you with a suitable recommendation. Plus, if you have further questions about the medications you’re getting, they’ll be happy to answer all of them. And the best part about it is that these services are free.
Vaccinations
With some additional training, pharmacists can become certified immunizers and administer vaccines. However, the requirements and protocol surrounding a pharmacist’s ability to administer vaccines will vary depending on their location.
So, it’s best to refer to the laws of your particular province to see what vaccines your local pharmacists will be able to administer. But generally, pharmacists are qualified to administer most vaccines.
The great thing about it is that you don’t even need to make a vaccination appointment with your pharmacists. You can simply walk in, and the pharmacists will bill insurance, screen your vaccine needs, and administer your vaccine shot.
Medical Therapy Management
Do not underestimate the knowledge your pharmacists possess, especially when it comes to medication. Pharmacists aren’t just there to fill your prescriptions. With their knowledge of pharmaceutical drugs, they are able to detect therapeutic duplications and determine how your medications will interact with each other. Aside from looking at a single prescription, they can also examine the entire health profile of a patient to make recommendations.
For example, by looking at your history and prescription, they may suggest adding another medication to help you further. Or perhaps they can pinpoint an opportunity to remove particular drugs from your regimen.
By knowing how different drugs interact with each other, they can determine which medications can boost the effect of another. At the same time, they could also identify when certain medications won’t mix well together. With your pharmacist’s help, you may even end up saving getting off medications altogether at some point.
Final Thoughts
A pharmacist’s role is more than just taking orders for medications and filling prescriptions from your doctor. Their education and training also allow them to offer additional services that may help you. When you’re unsure of what over-the-counter medications to get or overwhelmed by the number of options available, a pharmacist can offer free advice regarding this matter. They can also administer vaccines and help you manage the different medications you’re taking. Visit one of our 15 retail pharmacy locations or visit our virtual pharmacy, MyEasyDose for more details.