Can I Ask my pharmacist for advice about my medication?
Yes, you can feel free to ask your pharmacist for advice about any of your medicines. If you have been prescribed medication to treat a long-term condition for the first time, you may be able to get extra help and advice from your pharmacist.
How do I speak to a pharmacist?
As a wellness+ rewards member, you have 24/7 access to a pharmacist via online chat. M embers can also speak with a clinical pharmacist 24/7 by phone, by calling 1-800-RITEAID (1-800-748-3243). Hearing or speech disabled dial 711 to reach us through National Telecommunications Relay.
Should I see a pharmacist or GP?
If symptoms suggest it's something more serious, pharmacists have the right training to make sure you get the help you need. For example they will tell you if you need to see a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional. All pharmacists train for 5 years in the use of medicines.
Can I buy medicines from a pharmacist?
Your pharmacist can help manage repeat prescriptions and help with any questions that you might have about medication that you have been prescribed by the doctor. You can also only buy certain products classified as 'pharmacy medicines' from a pharmacist.
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Can I ask a pharmacist a question online?
The CareTeam includes nurses and pharmacists who can give you personalized support and answer questions about your medication. You can send a secure message online to your CareTeam anytime when you sign in or register for an account. Our business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time.
Do you call your pharmacist doctor?
Pharmacists are doctors. You probably don't refer to your pharmacist as “doctor.” In fact, when you meet pharmacists at your local apothecary, they will likely introduce themselves by their first name. However, they are indeed doctors. As of the year 2004, a doctor of pharmacy degree (Pharm.
Can a pharmacist can answer questions about over-the-counter medicines?
When you pick up your medications at your local pharmacy, do you ever wonder what else your pharmacist can do for you? Your pharmacist is there to support you and your health.
Who to call with questions about medications?
Call your local pharmacist or the FDA's drug information pharmacists if you have questions after receiving a medicine. The FDA's Division of Drug Information (DDI) is home to a staff of pharmacists who respond to questions about human drugs for the U.S. public.
What can you go to a pharmacist for?
About pharmacists Pharmacists are experts in medicines who can help you with minor health concerns. As qualified healthcare professionals, they can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains.
Can pharmacist override doctor?
If you find that a drug your doctor prescribed is not working for you, a pharmacist cannot override a doctor's prescription. You should see your doctor and have a discussion about the medications you are taking. It's important to understand why your doctor prescribed a particular type or brand of drug.
How do you talk to a pharmacist?
Tell your pharmacist List all the prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbals, and other supplements you use. Tell your pharmacist exactly how you are taking the medicine. Don't forget to tell your pharmacist about any changes to your medicines. This includes anything you have stopped taking.
How do you call a pharmacist?
Today it is most likely they are addressed as 'Dr. (Name)'. Historically, in academia, the pharmacy faculty is addressed as 'Dr. (Name)' like their doctorate-holding academic colleagues.
Do pharmacists talk to patients?
To encourage questions from their customers, many pharmacies have counseling rooms where pharmacists can talk to patients and families privately.
Can you call a doctor to ask a question?
It's OK to ask questions, and Roter stresses that you should feel comfortable asking as many of them as you need to understand your doctor's advice. “Sometimes people are reluctant to ask questions. Ask your doctor to clarify what they're saying in plain language if they're talking in medical-speak,” she says.
Can you ask a pharmacist about drug interactions?
Your Pharmacist Can Help Identify Or Explain Potential Side Effects. While your pharmacist is a great resource for identifying potential drug interactions, they're also able to tell you about medication side effects.
Can a pharmacist ask what your prescription is for?
Alterations on a prescription, even if they are from the doctor, can make the pharmacist second guess its validity and prompt them to verify its details with your doctor—which is usually not a fast process.
How can I obtain a printout of my medications for the past year (s)?
Contact your local Rite Aid store to request a copy of your prescription history. The pharmacist can print your profile and mail it to the address we have in your pharmacy record, or have it ready for you to pick up at your earliest convenience. My Pharmacy members can also view their prescription history online.
How much will my prescription cost if I am paying cash? What if I have insurance?
You will need to contact your local Rite Aid store for pricing information.
What if this is an emergency and I need an answer immediately?
If your question is of an urgent nature, please contact your local healthcare provider or hospital emergency room. If this is a medical emergency, contact 911.
Can I get my diabetes supplies filled using my Medicare card?
Medicare Part B will cover 80% of the cost of diabetes supplies (blood glucose monitors, test strips, lancing devices, lancets, control solution, and replacement batteries) for patients with diabetes once they have met their deductible. Simply take your Medicare card and a prescription from your physician to a Rite Aid pharmacy and a pharmacist will process the necessary paperwork.
What is the difference between a brand and a generic medication?
When a new product is introduced to the market, the manufacturer assigns it a brand or trade name, different from its "chemical" name. Once the patent rights to the product expire (patent life varies depending on the time interval from initial discovery to approval by the Food and Drug Administration [FDA]), other companies are free to manufacture generic versions of the product provided they meet all the requirements the FDA requires of the brand name drug. Generic drugs are regulated by the FDA just like the brand name drug and must meet the same stringent standards to ensure safety and efficacy for their intended uses. Most states require generic substitution by law, unless otherwise specified by the patient or physician. Please consult with your local Rite Aid pharmacist concerning the substitution laws in your state.
Do you take my insurance card?
Rite Aid accepts most insurance plans, including Express Scripts, Caremark, OptumRx, Medimpact, Cigna, Humana, Medicaid, Medicare Parts B and D, and many more.
Where is the prescription number on Rite Aid?
Prescription numbers are located in the pink shaded area in the upper left corner of your prescription label. If you are unable to locate your prescription vial, please contact your local Rite Aid store for assistance. I am feeling better.
Pharmacists Provide Medication Advice
It is evident that many Americans are taking prescription drugs. Statistics from the CDC website show that almost half of the population in the United States has used at least one prescription medication in the previous 30 days.
Too often patients do not speak up when they have concerns
In my experience, I have seen patients too embarrassed to ask questions because they think their question is silly or their problem is something they just “need to learn to live with.” I have seen patients with multiple grocery bags full of medications including prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal medications.
Speak with your pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about your medications
If you would like your community pharmacist to review all of your medications, ask if the pharmacist is able to set up an appointment. Not all community pharmacies offer appointment-based services, but more pharmacies are offering these services every day.
What to ask a pharmacist about repeat prescriptions?
As part of the repeat prescription service, the pharmacist will ask if you're having any problems or side effects with your medicines and, where appropriate, they can discuss this with you and your GP.
How to collect prescriptions from pharmacy?
choose a specific pharmacy (nominated pharmacy) to collect your prescriptions from each time – call or contact the pharmacy online a few days before you run out of medicine to check your prescription is ready to collect
How do repeat prescriptions work?
Repeat prescriptions can be issued in 2 different ways: You order the prescription to be approved by a GP each time you need a refill. You order the prescription once and a GP approves a series of refills for you. They are sent to the pharmacy automatically, so you do not need to order them each time.
What is the NHS volunteer number?
NHS Volunteer Responders can help with collecting medicines and prescriptions. Call 0808 196 3646 (8am to 8pm, every day) to arrange help from a volunteer.
How long do pharmacists train?
For example they will tell you if you need to see a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional. All pharmacists train for 5 years in the use of medicines. They are also trained in managing minor illnesses and providing health and wellbeing advice. Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends.
What can a qualified healthcare professional do?
As qualified healthcare professionals, they can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses , such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains.
What to do if you have a medicine that is out of date?
If your medicine is out of date, unwanted, or some of it is left over after you have stopped taking it, do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet. Instead, take it to your pharmacy to be disposed of safely.
Why do you need a pharmacist?
1. When you want to save money. Pharmacists can help you find over-the-counter medications that offer the best value for the symptoms you’re hoping to treat, whether it’s a generic equivalent or a therapeutic equivalent (medication that does the same job but uses less-expensive ingredients).
How can pharmacists prevent serious errors?
In addition to helping you find supplies that work best for your lifestyle, pharmacists can prevent serious errors by helping you administer insulin, understand its effects and determine when you should and shouldn’t use it. 8. When you need a creative way to take medicine.
What is a pharmacist trained to do?
In most states, pharmacists are trained and permitted to perform various subcutaneous and intramuscular medicine injections. They can help you learn how to safely give injections to yourself or inject it for you. 3.
Can a pharmacist help with a runny nose?
If you’re trying to manage a runny nose, sinus congestion, coughing or other minor symptoms, your pharmacist can determine the best over-the-counter treatment with the fewest side effects for you. Just be sure to tell the pharmacist about significant notes in your medical history, or medications that might interfere with cough and cold treatments.
Can a nurse check a prescription?
Many people will call their doctor’s offices when they have a question about a prescription, but what often happens is that a nurse or doctor will check with a pharmacist to find the answer . You can go straight to the pharmacist to find out about medication side effects, interactions and similar questions.
Can you swallow pills?
Some people struggle to swallow pills, but a pharmacist usually can find a different form of the medication or a way to mix it into an easy-to-swallow juice. Many pharmacies also offer ways to flavor liquid medicines that are difficult for children, especially, to stomach. 9.
Is there a co-pay for pharmacists?
February 27, 2018. For minor aches and ailments, there’s a health expert you might be overlooking: your local pharmacist. And there’s never a co-pay for their advice. Though pharmacists aren’t able to diagnose illnesses or prescribe medication, they can provide valuable guidance – often sooner than a doctor is available.
What is a pharmacist?
Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses. The pharmacist will let you know if you need to go and visit a doctor however they can help you with a number of things first.
What to do if you are taking a lot of different medications?
If you’re taking lots of different medicines, you may be able to have a Medicines Use Review with your pharmacist to help you work out when you should be taking your medication and discuss any questions or side effects.
Who do I turn to about general advice for my health and wellbeing?
You can visit your pharmacist instead of your GP about how best to keep you and your family well. They’ve all sorts of advice, from how to eat healthily, quit smoking, lose weight, and what type of exercise you could be doing.
Can a pharmacist prescribe medication?
Pharmacists can offer advice and over-the-counter medication to help with a range of common conditions and minor injuries such as:
Do I need to see the doctor every time I need a prescription?
Not necessarily , your pharmacist can help manage repeat prescriptions for you. If you take medication on a regular basis and your condition is stable, your GP may be able to offer a long-term repeat prescription.
What training do pharmacists have?
All pharmacists train for five years in the use of medicines. They are also trained in managing minor illnesses and providing health and wellbeing advice.
How long does a pharmacist have to be trained?
All pharmacists train for five years in the use of medicines. They are also trained in managing minor illnesses and providing health and wellbeing advice.
Who are the pharmacists that answer the questions?
The pharmacists that answer the questions that you submit to us are answered by our two pharmacists, Shamir Patel and James O’Loan.
What does Ask-a-Pharmacist mean for Chemist 4 U?
The Ask-a-Pharmacist feature on Chemist 4 U allows us to reinforce our values and helps Chemist 4 U continue to be an online pharmacy that you can trust.
Why has the Ask-a-Pharmacist feature been implemented?
We have decided to build this feature as a way of being able to humanise ourselves.
How will I know when my question has been answered?
When your question has been answered, you will receive an email to notify you that your question has been answered.
Will my name be published in the question?
We understand that some questions might be sensitive in nature, and having your name next to it might not be what you want.
What can a pharmacist do for you?
Your pharmacist can also offer you advice on healthy living, like diet, exercise and quitting smoking, as well as providing services like emergency contraception, travel vaccinations and antimalarial tablets for travellers. If you want to delay your period because you're going on holiday or have a big event coming up, they can sort that too.
How does seeing a pharmacist benefit you?
One of the benefits of using pharmacy services is that if everyone does it, more people will be able to get GP appointments when they need one .
What are some examples of complaints that pharmacists can help with?
There are many complaints for which seeing a pharmacist first could benefit you. Some examples might be: Aches and pains (eg back pain, headache and migraine, period pain, teething and toothache). Allergies (eg bites and stings, skin reactions). Colds and flu (eg cough, congestion, sore throat, fevers and/or temperature).
How much time can a pharmacist spend in a GP practice?
One small study of practices in Scotland showed that a clinical pharmacist based in a GP practice can free up to five hours of GP time a week, just by taking on prescribing work.
What is POM in pharmacy?
In addition, many medications which are still licensed as 'POM' (prescription only medicines) can now be provided by a pharmacist with specialist training under a scheme called PGDs, or Patient Group Directions.
Do you need a prescription for P medicine?
Until a couple of decades ago, virtually every licensed medication needed a doctor's prescription. Since then, hundreds of medicines have been reclassified as 'P' medicines - available without prescription, but only following a consultation with a pharmacist. In addition, many medications which are still licensed as 'POM' (prescription only medicines) can now be provided by a pharmacist with specialist training under a scheme called PGDs, or Patient Group Directions.
Is the NHS making the most of the clinical resource that exists across the community pharmacy network in England?
This is a step in the right direction, according to Yeung. "The NHS has not made the most of the clinical resource that exists across the community pharmacy network in England. This has been due to number of well-recognised challenges in the way that out-of-hospital care systems operate. However, with the advent of services like the digital minor illness service and the NHS urgent medicines supply advanced service it seems that the NHS is finally overcoming these barriers, which must be applauded.
