Can a pharmacist ask you why you are taking a medication?
Asked by: Isobel Cummings | Last update: August 16, 2023Score: 4.8/5 (19 votes)
They don't usually do that, although they might ask you if you know what it's for to make sure you have the education you need about it. Pharmacists know what the approved indication(s) are for the drug, but that doesn't necessarily mean that's why you've been prescribed it. Doctors prescribe off-label all the time.
Should a pharmacist question a doctor's prescription?
Pharmacists must make sure that you have a valid prescription, so they may question prescriptions that seem to be damaged or altered in some way.
Can a pharmacist ask you personal questions?
Asking personal questions is an integral part of their responsibility, to ensure you are taking the proper medications, at the proper dose, and knowing what your diagnosis is.
Can a pharmacist answer questions about medicine?
For example, they can answer questions about other drugs and foods that can cause an interaction and advise you to consult with your health care provider when your usual medication is unavailable. Pharmacists are a bridge between the patient and their prescriber.
Can you talk to pharmacist about drug interactions?
- Taking a proactive approach with new medications can lower your chances of potentially dangerous side effects. ...
- Can I take this with my other medications? ...
- Can I take this with my other vitamins or supplements? ...
- Do I need to avoid certain foods or drinks?
Example of a Good Pharmacist
Who can I ask about drug interactions?
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the drugs you take. When your doctor prescribes a new drug, discuss all OTC and prescription drugs, dietary supplements, vitamins, botanicals, minerals and herbals you take, as well as the foods you eat.
What is unethical practices in pharmacy?
Misuse of animals for toxicological experiments. Unauthorized pharmaceutical manufacture and distribution. Excessive influence of pharmaceutical manufacturers over doctors. Ineffective self-regulation in the pharmaceutical and medical devices industries. Reward biased research.
Do I ask my doctor or pharmacist about drug interactions?
Finding Drug Interactions
Both doctors may not always have complete information on what medications the other has prescribed. However, your pharmacist will be able to tell you: If these medications have potential interactions that you should be aware of.
What kind of questions can I ask the pharmacist?
- How do I prepare an emergency supply of medicines? ...
- What type of over-the-counter drugs should I include in my emergency supplies? ...
- What kind of records should I keep with my important paperwork?
Can you ask pharmacist about side effects?
Your pharmacist can help support your health by: Talking to you about your medicine. Your pharmacist can explain the small print—what the medicine is for, how best to use it, what side effects you may experience, and what to do if you have side effects. Suggesting ways to help you take your medicine.
What happens when a pharmacist flags you?
A red flag could be indicative of abuse or misuse, over or under compliance, drug-drug interactions, or a “forged or altered prescription.” Such issues would be reviewed and resolved by a pharmacist “before filling any prescription” as part of the “prospective drug use review,” the testimony states.
Can a pharmacist ask what your diagnosis is?
Absolutely. Their role is to ensure the medication is dispensed safely. This means that they may need to ask questions of you or the doctor to make sure the medication is being prescribed correctly and/or for the right reason.
Why do pharmacists ask questions?
In order to ensure that your medications are appropriate for you and that you will get the most benefit from them, your pharmacist has to understand why you are taking the medications.
Can you call a pharmacist with questions?
Contact a pharmacist with questions about your prescriptions, drug interactions, or concerns regarding your medications. As a wellness+ rewards member, you have 24/7 access to a pharmacist via online chat. Members can also speak with a clinical pharmacist 24/7 by phone, by calling 1-800-RITEAID (1-800-748-3243).
Do pharmacists know more about medicine than doctors?
Pharmacists: Pharmacists are the most underutilized health professionals. They go to school for six years and then mainly hide in the back of the pharmacy counting pills. But pharmacists generally know a lot more about drugs than doctors.
What should the pharmacist ask the patient about the prescription?
Asking patients to describe their medication by color, size, shape, etc., may help to determine the dosage strength and formulation. Calling the patient's caregiver or their community pharmacist may be helpful to determine an exact medication, dosage strength, and/or directions for use.
Can a pharmacist give me advice?
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.
Why should you talk to a pharmacist?
Your pharmacist can help support your health by: Talking to you about your medicine. Your pharmacist can explain the small print—what the medicine is for, how best to use it, what side effects you may experience, and what to do if you have side effects. Suggesting ways to help you take your medicine.
What is an open question in pharmacy?
For instance, open questions can be used to initiate conversations and closed questions can confirm any information before you make a recommendation. For example: “What are the symptoms of your rash?” Then: “Is it itchy?”
What two drugs can you not mix?
- Alcohol and opioids.
- Opioids and benzodiazepines.
- Warfarin and acetaminophen.
- Warfarin and ibuprofen.
- PDE-5 inhibitors and nitrates.
- Statins and amiodarone.
- ACE inhibitors and potassium supplements.
Who to call with questions about medications?
- SAMHSA's National Helpline—1-800-662-4357. ...
- Partnership for Drug-Free Kids—1-855-DRUGFREE. ...
- Boys Town National Hotline—1-800-448-3000. ...
- National Runaway Safe Line—1-800-RUNAWAY. ...
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline—1-800-273-8255.
What are the top 5 ethical dilemmas in pharmacy?
- Noncompliance. Pharmacy technicians will frequently come into contact with patients who choose not to follow the directions of their doctors. ...
- Adhering To Medication Limits. ...
- Counseling Patients On Medications. ...
- Following Current Legislation. ...
- Personal Bias.
What is code of ethics in pharmacy?
Interpretation:A pharmacist has a duty to tell the truth and to act with conviction of conscience. A pharmacist avoids discriminatory practices, behavior or work con- ditions that impair professional judgment, and actions that compromise dedication to the best interests of patients.
What are examples of ethical violations in medicine?
- 1 Research.
- 2 Termination of mechanical ventilation and life support.
- 3 Withholding life-prolonging medical treatment.
- 4 Informed consent to medical treatment.
- 5 Person wishes for assisted suicide.
- 6 Person wishes for euthanasia for another.