4 sentences that you should never tell a pharmacist, say the experts
These can derail your care or even put your health in danger
If you take a new prescription or ask for free relief, a visit to pharmacy should be easy and useful. But, it should not be a silent transaction.
"Our pharmacists did not spend eight years of university school and pharmacy for not having asked us questions," explains Teri Dreher Frykenberg, RN, CCRN, BCPA, Founder and CEO of Nursing entrepreneur. .
Your pharmacist wishes You to ask questions and clear communication is the best. If you say vague or provocative sentences, you can potentially derail your care, or even put your health in danger. So, the next time you are at the counter, here are four vague or misleading sentences that you should never use and what to say instead.
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1 "It's just a vitamin."
Many people think supplements are harmless, but some can interact dangerously with drugs or affect the test results. Even "natural" products such as St. John St. John or high dose vitamin D can cause serious side effects .
"Let the pharmacist know if you are on anticoagulants, blood pressure drugs, anxiety or depression drugs, or if you have cancer treatment to make your mind," said Frykenberg. "If the pharmacist has concerns, it gives them a chance to confirm with your doctor that the drug is appropriate."
What to say instead: "Does this supplement interact with my prescriptions?"
2 "I stopped taking it - I felt better."
Stop a prescribed drug without speaking to your doctor Or the pharmacist could get worse or come back stronger. Certain drugs require a decrease or rebound effects if they are stopped suddenly.
"As you can see, there are several action plans, and the pharmacist can advise you on what is correct," explains Frykenberg.
What to say instead: "I felt better, so I stopped the medication - what should I do now?"
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3 "Can I just double?"
"In general, if you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, continue your regular schedule," explains Frykenberg. "However, this may depend on the medication you take, and there may be cases where the doubling is justified, or you may have to completely ignore the dose."
In some cases, taking two doses of some drugs can immediately cause overdose or increased side effects. The good line of driving depends on the half-life of the drug, the calendar, your state of health and other factors.
What to say instead: "I missed a dose - What is the safest way to get back on the right track?"
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4 "I'm going to take everything the cheapest."
Generic drugs are often excellent options, but choosing blindly depending on the price may not take into account allergies , inactive ingredients or dosage differences. Pharmacists can often work with your doctor to ask for profitable alternatives that meet your needs.
"If the doctor has prescribed a brand medication, ask the pharmacist if there is a generic alternative," explains Frykenberg. "There are also a number of drug and club reduction cards, and the price at reduced prices can be lower than that of COPAY."
What to say instead: "Are there affordable alternatives that are still safe and effective for me?"
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