Yes, there are many smart questions you should ask your pharmacist to keep yourself safe and healthy. Your pharmacist is a trained expert who can help you understand your medicines better than anyone else. They know about side effects, drug mixing, and how to store your pills safely.
This guide will show you the most important questions to ask your pharmacist. We’ll cover everything from basic medicine questions to complex drug safety topics. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to ask during your next pharmacy visit.
Why Your Pharmacist Is Your Health Hero
Your pharmacist went to school for years to learn about medicines. They know more about drugs than most doctors do. At VillageRx, our pharmacists are always ready to answer questions, give health tips, and make sure you get the right medicine and care for your needs.
Think of your pharmacist as your medicine coach. They want to help you win at staying healthy. Pharmacists are a bridge between the patient and their prescriber. They are experts at interpreting information for patients.
Many people just grab their pills and leave. But smart patients ask questions. This keeps them safer and healthier. According to the FDA, pharmacists help patients achieve the best possible outcome when taking drugs and are experts at interpreting information for patients.
Essential Questions About Your Medicine
What Is This Medicine For?
Always ask what your medicine does in your body. A pharmacist is an additional resource if a person has additional questions about how the medication works. Some medicines:
- Fight germs that make you sick
- Lower your blood pressure
- Help your heart work better
- Stop pain from hurting you
- Control your blood sugar
Knowing why you take something helps you remember to take it. It also helps you know if it’s working.
How Should I Take This Medicine?
This seems simple, but it’s not always easy. Your pharmacist can tell you:
- How many pills to take
- What time of day works best
- If you need food in your stomach first
- How much water to drink with it
Managing medications can be complicated, particularly if you are taking several prescription drugs that treat different conditions. Over 20% of U.S. adults age 40 and older take five or more prescription drugs, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. The best approach: Taking medications as directed by your doctor, getting refills on time, and staying alert to side effects and interactions all help keep you healthy.
Some medicines work better on an empty stomach. Others need food to protect your stomach. Your pharmacist knows which is which.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
Life gets busy. We all forget things sometimes. A pharmacist can help you understand what to do if you miss a dose to avoid an increase in side effects or overdosing on a medication.
The answer depends on your specific medicine:
- Some pills: Take it right when you remember
- Other pills: Skip it and wait for your next dose
- Time-sensitive pills: Call your doctor right away
For example, missing a dose of diabetes medication can cause a potential increase in blood sugar, while missing several doses of antibiotics can result in the development of antibiotic resistance.
Never guess about missed doses. Always ask your pharmacist first.
Questions About Side Effects and Safety
What Side Effects Should I Watch For?
All medicines can cause side effects. But most people don’t get bad ones. Anyone can feel side effects from a medicine. There is no way to know for sure if a medicine will cause side effects for you.
Smart questions to ask:
- What are the most common side effects?
- Which ones are serious and need a doctor?
- How long do side effects usually last?
- What can I do to feel better if I get them?
The pharmacist will often ask questions to gauge how you feel about the side effects, in the hopes that you come away from the conversation completely comfortable with taking a medication.
Your pharmacist can also tell you which side effects are normal and which ones mean you should stop taking the medicine.
Can I Take This With My Other Medicines?
This is one of the most important questions you can ask. The more medications you take, whether prescription or over-the-counter, the more risk you have that one of these medications will alter the clinical effects of another medication.
Drug mixing can be dangerous. It can:
- Make your medicine work too well
- Stop your medicine from working
- Create new side effects you didn’t expect
- Make you very sick
Tell your pharmacist about everything you take:
- All prescription medicines
- Over-the-counter pills like pain relievers
- Vitamins and supplements
- Herbal teas and natural products
For example, St. John’s Wort, CoenzymeQ10, and even melatonin can interact with medicines like antidepressants, blood thinners like warfarin or even alcohol.
Even “natural” products can be harmful when mixed with the wrong medicines.
Questions About Food and Drink
What Foods Should I Avoid?
Some foods change how your medicine works. Food and drink can have a significant impact on how a medication works. Some foods can change a drug’s effectiveness by interfering with this absorption.
Common food and drug problems:
- Grapefruit juice can make some heart medicines too strong
- Alcohol can be dangerous with many medicines
- Dairy products can stop some antibiotics from working
- High-vitamin K foods affect blood thinners
Metronidazole, an antibiotic used in treating certain infections, must not be taken with any alcohol because it can cause severe nausea and vomiting.
Your pharmacist knows which foods to avoid with your specific medicines.
Should I Take This With Food or On an Empty Stomach?
This makes a big difference in how well your medicine works:
With food: Some medicines need food to:
- Protect your stomach from irritation
- Help your body absorb the medicine better
- Reduce nausea and upset stomach
Empty stomach: Other medicines work better without food because:
- Food blocks them from getting into your blood
- They work faster when your stomach is empty
- Food changes how they break down
Ask your pharmacist to be specific about timing. “With food” usually means within 30 minutes of eating.
Storage and Handling Questions
How Should I Store My Medicine?
Medicines that are stored correctly last longer and work better. Most people think the bathroom medicine cabinet is perfect. It’s not.
Bad storage spots:
- Bathroom (too hot and wet from showers)
- Kitchen windowsill (too much sunlight)
- Car glove box (gets too hot and cold)
- Near the stove (too much heat)
Good storage spots:
- Bedroom drawer (cool and dry)
- Kitchen cabinet away from the stove
- Refrigerator (for some medicines only)
In general, most medicines should be stored at 59 to 77 degrees F in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight.
Medication storage should be a counseling point in every session, even though it may seem like an unimportant point when compared with medication uses, directions and side effects. The National Capital Poison Center reports that in 2018, children under 12 years of age had the highest rate of unintentional poison exposures, often due to medications being stored in easily accessible locations.
How Long Can I Keep This Medicine?
Medicine doesn’t last forever. The date printed on the manufacturer’s bottle indicates how long the product remains stable under recommended storage conditions.
Taking old medicine can be dangerous because:
- It might not work anymore
- It could break down into harmful chemicals
- You might not get better when you need to
As a medication degrades, it may lose potency, failing to deliver the intended benefits. Additionally, degradation can lead to the formation of toxic compounds, resulting in unexpected side effects.
Check expiration dates every few months. Ask your pharmacist about safe disposal of old medicines.
Cost and Insurance Questions
Is There a Cheaper Option Available?
Medicine can be expensive. Your pharmacist can help you save money in several ways:
Generic medicines: These work exactly the same as brand names but cost much less. Many drugs have two names: a brand name and generic. Unless your doctor puts “dispense as written” on your prescription, you may be able to get a generic version that is just as effective but less expensive.
Patient assistance programs: Many drug companies offer help for people who can’t afford their medicines.
90-day supplies: Looking to fill a maintenance medication? Ask if you’re eligible for a 90-day supply to limit the amount of trips you need to take to the pharmacy.
Don’t be embarrassed to ask about cost. Your pharmacist wants to help you afford your medicines.
Does My Insurance Cover This?
Insurance can be confusing. Your pharmacist can:
- Check what your insurance covers
- Find covered alternatives if needed
- Help you understand your copay
- Submit prior authorization requests
If you find the cost of your treatment to be too high, your health-system pharmacist may be able to help.
Special Situation Questions
Can I Take This While Pregnant or Breastfeeding?
This is very important for women of childbearing age. Contact us immediately. Certain medications can affect unborn babies. Some medicines require a pregnancy test before they’re given to be certain there won’t be any complications to you or a developing baby.
Always tell your pharmacist if you:
- Are pregnant now
- Might become pregnant soon
- Are trying to get pregnant
- Are breastfeeding a baby
Some medicines that are safe normally can hurt a growing baby.
What If I Have Trouble Swallowing Pills?
Many people struggle with swallowing large pills. Your pharmacist can help by:
- Showing you pill-swallowing techniques
- Finding liquid versions of your medicine
- Checking if you can crush or split your pills safely
- Recommending pill-swallowing aids
For example, some large pills are hard to swallow. “The pharmacist will know the drug’s makeup and whether you can crush it without changing how it works,” Kremzner says.
Never crush or split pills without asking first. Some medicines can become dangerous when broken.
Questions About Over-the-Counter Medicines
What Over-the-Counter Medicine Is Best for My Symptoms?
Feeling under the weather? Give your local Gundersen Pharmacy a call. A pharmacist can chat with you about your symptoms and suggest over-the-counter medicines that may help you feel better.
Your pharmacist can recommend the right medicine for:
- Headaches and body aches
- Cough and cold symptoms
- Stomach problems
- Allergy symptoms
- Sleep troubles
They know which products work best and which ones to avoid with your other medicines.
Can I Take This Over-the-Counter Medicine With My Prescriptions?
Just because you can buy something without a prescription doesn’t mean it’s safe with your other medicines. If you are taking an OTC medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, cough medicines, or herbal supplements, those drugs can interfere with other medications.
Common problems:
- Pain relievers can increase bleeding with blood thinners
- Decongestants can raise blood pressure dangerously
- Sleep aids can make you too drowsy with other medicines
Always check with your pharmacist before adding any new medicine, even over-the-counter ones.
Technology and Communication Questions
Can You Set Up Medication Reminders for Me?
Many pharmacies offer helpful services:
- Text message reminders when it’s time for refills
- Automatic refill programs for chronic medicines
- Pill packaging services to organize your medicines
- Mobile apps to track your medicines
Try setting a timer on your phone, watch or alarm clock,” suggests Merrey. “You might always take them after you brush your teeth or before eating breakfast.
Ask what services your pharmacy offers to help you stay organized.
How Can I Reach You If I Have Questions Later?
Good pharmacies make it easy to get help when you need it. Find out:
- What are the pharmacy’s phone hours?
- Can you text questions to the pharmacy?
- Is there a 24-hour help line available?
- Can you email the pharmacist directly?
Our pharmacists are available 24/7 by calling 1-877-846-8574. They have access to your medical record and can give you answers specific to your individual case.
Don’t wait until you have a problem to find out how to get help.
Questions for Complex Medical Conditions
How Does This Medicine Fit Into My Overall Treatment Plan?
If you have diabetes, heart disease, or other chronic conditions, you might take several medicines. Your pharmacist can explain:
- How all your medicines work together
- Which ones are most important to take
- What to do if you can’t afford all of them
- How to organize them so you don’t forget
Your health-system pharmacist can also answer questions about the management of common diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and asthma.
Should I Get Any Tests While Taking This Medicine?
Some medicines need regular monitoring to make sure they’re working safely:
- Blood tests to check organ function
- Blood pressure checks
- Blood sugar monitoring
- Regular eye exams
Will I need any tests to check the medicine’s effects (blood tests, x-rays, other)? When will I need those?
Your pharmacist can tell you what tests to expect and when to get them.
Creating Your Medicine List
Can You Help Me Make a Complete Medicine List?
A good medicine list includes:
- All prescription medicines with doses
- Over-the-counter medicines you take regularly
- Vitamins and supplements
- Herbal products and teas
- Allergies to medicines
Use a medicine wallet card. Ask your pharmacist if a medicine wallet card is available, or make your own.
Keep this list updated and bring it to all doctor visits. It could save your life in an emergency.
Disposal and Safety Questions
How Do I Safely Dispose of Old Medicines?
Never throw old medicines in the trash or flush them down the toilet (unless specifically told to). Ask your pharmacist for suggestions or resources. If your local trash service permits, dispose of medications yourself; pour medicines into a sealable plastic bag.
Safe disposal options:
- Drug take-back events in your community
- Pharmacy take-back programs
- Special disposal boxes at police stations
- FDA-approved disposal methods for certain medicines
Old medicines can poison children, pets, or people who might find them. The EPA recommends that households use drug take-back options whenever they are available to dispose of unwanted household medications safely.
Questions About Medication Therapy Management
Can You Review All My Medicines Together?
This service is called medication therapy management. Our pharmacists work with you and your doctor to optimize your medications and reduce side effects. During this review, your pharmacist will:
- Look for dangerous drug interactions
- Find medicines you might not need anymore
- Suggest ways to save money
- Help organize your medicine schedule
- Check for missing treatments you might need
This is especially helpful if you see multiple doctors or use different pharmacies.
Emergency Situation Questions
What Should I Do If I Take Too Much by Accident?
Overdoses can be scary and dangerous. Your pharmacist can tell you:
- Warning signs to watch for
- Whether you need emergency care right away
- Who to call for help (doctor, poison control, 911)
- What information to have ready when you call
As a safety measure, program the Poison Control Center number (1-800-222-1222) into all your phones. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality notes that pharmacists have a central role in ensuring medication safety across the continuum of care and are responsible for recognizing prescription errors and providing patients with drug information.
What If I Have an Allergic Reaction?
Medicine allergies can be mild or life-threatening. Ask your pharmacist:
- What symptoms to watch for
- How quickly reactions usually happen
- When to use an EpiPen if you have one
- When to call 911 versus your doctor
Some allergic reactions get worse fast. Know the warning signs before you need them.
Questions About Compounding Services
Can You Make My Medicine in a Different Form?
Sometimes regular medicines don’t work for everyone. Compounding pharmacies can make:
- Liquid versions of pills for people who can’t swallow
- Stronger or weaker doses than what’s available
- Medicines without certain ingredients that cause allergies
- Flavored medicines for children
- Topical creams instead of pills
VillageRx offers a broad range of services designed to meet the diverse healthcare needs of local residents, including custom compounding services.
Final Thoughts
Your pharmacist is one of your most important health partners. They have years of training specifically about medicines and how they affect your body. Don’t be shy about asking questions – that’s what they’re there for.
The questions in this guide will help you get the most from every pharmacy visit. Print this list and take it with you next time you pick up a prescription. Your pharmacist will be happy to answer every single question.
Remember, there are no stupid questions when it comes to your health. The more you know about your medicines, the safer and healthier you’ll be.
Ready to experience the difference that caring, knowledgeable pharmacists can make? Visit VillageRx in Glen Ellyn or transfer your prescription today. Our team is here to answer all your questions and help you stay healthy.