The Legal Drug Dealer: A sad patient, a sad pharmacist

 

A happy patient, a happy Pharmacist.

Pharmacists over the years have been undergoing a metamorphosis from the behind the scenes guys who ensure the availability of medicines for patients to more direct contact with the patient.

They are a valuable resource to patients and customers, yet are being underutilised. Primarily, because we do not know their relevance and the role they play in healthcare delivery.

Hence, it is important to foster a pharmacist-patient relationship. A better understanding of the need for this relationship will positively affect the health outcome of the patient.

This is most important for people who have chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Getting a Pharmacist to monitor you, the drugs, adverse drug reactions and complications will improve your health outcome.

Pharmacists go beyond filling your prescription. Below are ways you can “use” your pharmacists to improve your quality of life:

Ask questions. There are no stupid questions when it comes to your health and medications that have been prescribed or dispensed to you.

1. “What is the name of this medicine? What is its purpose?”

You need to know why you are taking the medicines. A wrong prescription may be easily noted when the purpose of the medicine does not match what you told the prescriber.

2. When and how should I take it?

The efficacy of medicines is dependent on how you take them. Some medicines are to be taken wholly, without being crushed. Others need to be taken on empty stomachs, with or after meals. You can only know about this when you are told.

3. What side effects should I expect?

Knowing the side effects will allay your fears when you experience them. You will also know when to contact your Pharmacist or go to the hospital.

4. What should I avoid? Some drugs require that you avoid foods and drinks. This is because they will affect the efficacy, reduce or heighten it.

5.  What do I do if I forget to take my medicines?

6. Where do I store them? How long can I keep them?

7. Can I share this with another person?

If you do not understand anything during counselling or dispensing, ask. At the end of an encounter with a Pharmacist, there should be patient self- efficacy. You should be able to execute what you were told. If you do not understand, do not hesitate to ask. You reserve that right as a patient.

Tell

A lot of factors are to be considered when considering the appropriate medicines for patients. When you find yourself in a community hospital, be honest your Pharmacist.

Medication history:

There are a lot of drug-drug interactions which may cause complications hence it is imperative to tell your Pharmacist what orthodox and herbal drugs you are taking. Do not keep this vital information to yourself.

Medical history:

Your medical history will determine whether or not some medicines are safe for you. Asthmatics and ulcer patients, for instance, cannot take some painkillers (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen, diclofenac. This vital information makes the Pharmacist cautious on what to give the patient.

Are you pregnant or breastfeeding? Tell your Pharmacist.

Allergies:

If you have any allergies, make sure your Pharmacist is aware so adverse drug reactions can be prevented.

Lifestyle:

Do you smoke? Do you drink alcohol? Do you have multiple sexual partners? All these vital information will inform the Pharmacist what to include in their counselling.

 

Do

You play an important role in the management of your health. You can only achieve maximum benefit when you do as the Pharmacist says. Take your medicines as instructed.

Keep records. Side effects, sudden changes, BP results and blood sugar results should be relayed to the Pharmacists. Also, keep a list of medicines you have taken, or still taking, in recent times.

Check with your pharmacist before taking any over the counter medications. Although they may not require prescriptions, if taken wrongly, it can react to some of your prescription drugs or trigger allergic reactions.

Pharmacists are your medicines expert. We are here to help you. By working with us, you can be sure that your quality of health will improve. Foster a good relationship with your Pharmacist today.

 

****

My tip for today is:

Do not ask to be given an eye drop when you go to a community pharmacy. Why? All eye drops do not cure the same eye condition. Tell the Pharmacist what ails you so the appropriate eye drop for your condition will be given.