8 Tips to Up Your Pharmacy Game

The pharmacists who recommend the right over-the-counter medicines, or help you choose a new prescription drug, can make all the difference about lacons pharmacy covid vaccine. These days, it’s hard to weed through all the research and conflicting information about which medication is best for your symptoms. But these 8 tips will get you started on taking your health into your own hands.

1. Ask your pharmacist for guidance before you start any new medication.

Your pharmacist is a well-trained medical professional who can offer insights into the potential side effects and interactions of your medications–and suggest alternatives when possible. “When you’re talking to a patient about what they are taking, and why they are taking it, it gives them a sense of empowerment,” says Pharmacist Alan DeFayet, DO, owner of Pharmacy Solutions in Houston. “They realize that they have the option to make changes.” And since each drug has its own set of positive and negative characteristics, it’s not a bad idea to weigh the pros and cons with your doctor or pharmacist before choosing a new medicine (or changing doses).

2. Ask about generic drugs.

Certain medications are available only as brand-name drugs (think Lipitor, Ativan and Singular), but most drugs have generic options, which generally cost 50% to 80% less than brand names. While generics have an identical form, dose and route of administration (i.e., they’re the same drug) they may come in different bottles or have a different color. Or their inactive ingredients may vary slightly from their brand-name counterparts.

3. Watch for “the third digit” on your prescription.

Many drugs come in different doses, with varying dosing schedules. While you may know that you should be taking 50 mg of Lipitor each day, a doctor may write “Lipitor 50 mg once per day at bedtime.” This “third digit rule” may not seem like a big deal, but it has the potential to cause serious medication errors if your pharmacist doesn’t catch it.

4. Get the most of your insurance plan.

Some plans give you copays for generic drugs—no brand names are allowed—while others only cover brand-name drugs but offer little or no copay for generics. If you’re not sure how your plan works, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Or check the rules online (most insurance companies have easy-to-use websites with clear explanations).

5. Ask about over-the-counter options.

While over-the-counter drugs once had a limited selection and were less powerful than prescription medications, that’s no longer the case. Many OTC drugs are available in multiple doses, may be combined in one pill (like allergy medicines) or can be used interchangeably with prescription drugs. Also, certain OTCs have been approved by the FDA for specific medical uses (including pain relief).

6. Pay attention to how your medication affects your body.

Some medications are well tolerated, while others interact with other medications in unexpected ways. And some medicines have a reputation for causing super-fast heart rate or insomnia, and may be best avoided for those reasons (like antihistamines, cold-relief and sleep aids.)

7. Get a second opinion when you need one.

If your doctor has suggested a particular drug—your insurance plan may not cover it if you ask for a second opinion. Or if your doctor recommends a brand-name drug, you’re not likely to be able to buy it over the counter.

8. Consider natural remedies.

Many people use over-the-counter or herbal remedies for treating everything from common colds and flu to headaches and insomnia. While there are no reliable studies showing these products are effective in treating any medical condition, many patients swear by them for relieving their symptoms. And that’s good enough for us—you don’t have to convince us of their merit just because we’re doctors!

Bonus Tip:

Make sure you know the difference between an OTC drug, an herbal remedy and a natural remedy. Over-the-counter drugs are medications that you can buy without a prescription and are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Herbal remedies, on the other hand, are derived from plants and other natural substances. Some can be bought over the counter, while others may not be available at all.

If you’re not sure if a drug is over-the-counter or not, it’s usually best to ask.

Note:

The National Pharmaceutical Council (NPC) is a professional body dedicated to promoting the efficient and cost effective management of pharmaceuticals in Australia. They supply information and advice to consumers and the community on topics such as chiropractic reform and complementary medicine. 

Summary:

The 8 points included above could save you a fortune. I’m not sure if the author of the article used a ghostwriter or not, but he or she is well qualified in terms of experience and knowledge. You could use this article to help you by pinpointing extra dollars on your drug expenses and to avoid potential hazards of taking drugs for the wrong reasons. Ask your pharmacist for guidance before you start any new medication. Some plans give you copays for generic drugs, while others only cover brand-name drugs but offer little or no copay for generics.