What Your Pharmacist Can Do for You

Pharmacists are an essential part of the medical field and an asset to the healthcare industry, however, few of us know of the extent of services that a pharmacist can provide, beyond the dispensing of medication.

Did you know that pharmacists are trained in drug therapy, patient communication, healthcare essentials, and patient care? They may also have specialised training in geriatric, orthopaedic, paediatric, holistic, sports, psychiatric, and nutritional pharmacy. This means that they are able to help you with general enquiries about your health and wellbeing, provide information regarding drug effectiveness, and assist with products available in front and behind the counter. Let’s look at what your pharmacist can do for you.

Drug Interactions Dispensing medication is only one part of a very large picture. Pharmaceutical companies provide pharmacies with standardised medications, meaning your pharmacist doesn’t actually make your medications, but rather provides them to you in a controlled way – along with information on how best to take them. Your pharmacist is trained to interpret how drug interactions will or won’t affect you. For example, they may advise you to not eat certain foods when taking antibiotics or tell you about various symptoms that may be associated with specific medications. They’ll also ask if you’ve taken a certain type of drug before, helping you if you’re filling a prescription for the first time and ensuring that you know how to get the most out of your medication. They’re also aware of the fact that no two people are alike, and that you may react differently to something that had no effect on another person. This may be due to your genetics, other medications you’re taking, or simply your diet and lifestyle. With this information, your pharmacist can help you tailor your treatment.