Three Things You Should Know About Your Local Pharmacy
Posted on: 7 March 2016
Although most everyone associates a pharmacy with getting necessary medication, few people truly understand what goes on behind the pharmacy counter every day. The truth is, there are a lot of things that many people don't understand about pharmacies, and it often leads to misunderstandings and missed opportunities. Here are a few things that you should know about local pharmacies.
Pharmacists Do More Than Just Fill Prescriptions
Although most people primarily associate the local pharmacy with filling prescriptions, that isn't their sole purpose. There are many more benefits and features offered in most pharmacies. As an example, many pharmacists offer both in-person and telephone-based consultations for new customers. They typically also provide their prescription medication patients with detailed printed information about each of their prescriptions and answer questions for patients who are filling a new prescription or are unfamiliar with a medication. They assess your medical history and current medications to identify any potential interactions that you should know about. Finally, most pharmacies now provide vaccines, blood pressure checks and even general health screenings.
Pharmacists Know a Lot About Those Medications
You may be surprised to discover how well your pharmacist understands the medications that he or she dispenses. In fact, pharmacists often have a greater level of knowledge about those medications than your primary care provider because they receive detailed training. Your pharmacist should have a solid understanding of what the medications do, how they should be taken and what conditions they can treat. They usually have a deep understanding of how the medications react with the human body and any potential risks that come along with taking them.
The Generic Medications Your Pharmacist Offers Are as Effective as Brand Names
Although some people believe that generic medications aren't as good as the brand name ones, your pharmacist can tell you otherwise. Medications are subject to some pretty strict regulations, and those regulations require that generic medications be no different in the active ingredient composition as their brand name alternatives. That means that generic medications, though less expensive, are just as effective for you.
Now that you understand some of the facts about what your pharmacy has to offer, you can avoid missing out on some of these features. Many local and family-owned pharmacies offer far more than just prescription refills, and as a customer, it's in your best interest to take advantage of those things. Talk with your local pharmacist (such as one from Camelback Pharmacy) today to see if they offer vaccines, generic medications or any patient consultations.
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