7 questions to ask a pharmacist

Key takeaways

• Pharmacists can answer important questions about your medications, such as when to take them, how to store them properly, and what side effects to watch for.
• They can also review your medications and supplements to check for drug interactions, explain the difference between generic and brand-name versions, and advise on safe disposal methods.
• If you’re traveling, a pharmacist can help you understand which vaccinations you may need and may even administer some vaccines at the pharmacy.

Overview

While you may typically think of a doctor as the main resource for any questions you have about your health, a pharmacist can also be a great source of knowledge, especially when you have questions about medications and supplements.

Medication labels can often be difficult to understand and may leave you with several concerns, such as how the drug may interact with your lifestyle. Pharmacists are experts when it comes to medication and can answer any questions you have.

Let’s take a look at some questions that you can ask a pharmacist.

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How can I save on my medications?

Prescription drug costs in the United States can be high, but there are several ways to save on your medications, including:

• using your insurance
• using prescription discount cards like the Optum Perks Discount Card
• using manufacturer savings
• searching through federal sites like TrumpRx

Many of these savings options can’t be used together. For example, prescription discount cards often can’t be used alongside insurance. Some manufacturer savings programs can be used with commercial insurance, but not alongside federal programs like Medicare or Medicaid.

Navigating all of these options can be confusing, but a pharmacist can help you determine which options you’re eligible for and what will be cheapest for you.

Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care in as little as 15 minutes. For $29, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a US-licensed healthcare professional. Get started here.

When should I take my medication?

Different medications often require different circumstances to work. For example, progestin-only birth control pills, such as norethindrone (Camila), need to be taken at the same time every day. And nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve), should not be taken on an empty stomach.

A pharmacist can advise you on the best way to take your medication, which can be important for ensuring the drug works properly and reduces side effects.

What is this medication called?

Medications sometimes have two different names: their generic name and their brand name. A generic medication is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication.

Sometimes, a generic medication can have several brand names or be made by multiple companies. A pharmacist can help you understand which brand of a particular generic medication you are taking.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires generic drugs to have the same function as their brand-name counterparts, so generic drugs are just as effective. Your pharmacist can tell you whether there is a generic version of your medication — and do not hesitate to ask them about any possible savings, since generics generally tend to be more cost-effective.

What should I avoid when taking this medication?

Sometimes, a medication leaflet lists only some of the possible drug interactions. The term “drug interaction” refers to a reaction between your medication and another substance, such as a different medication or supplement you’re also taking.

A pharmacist can review your specific medications and supplements to see whether they have any interactions with each other.

If you’re starting a new medication, it’s important to check with the prescribing doctor or a pharmacist about whether you should avoid taking any other drugs or supplements during your treatment with the new medication.

Even natural supplements containing herbs can interact with prescription medications. For example, St John’s Wort is an herbal supplement that often interacts negatively with some medications.

How should I store my medication?

Some medications are sensitive to temperature, light, and moisture. They may stop being effective if you do not store them correctly. For example, you may need to keep diabetes medication like insulin in the fridge to prevent it from becoming ineffective.

A pharmacist will inform you where it is best to store your medication.

How can I dispose of my medication?

Disposing of medications can sometimes be complicated. For example, unopened and expired medications must be disposed of at specific locations.

You can ask a pharmacist about where you should dispose of medication if necessary. They may tell you about the FDA flush list, which is a list of medications that are safe for you to dispose of by flushing them down the toilet.

Also, if your medications require needles to administer, such as insulin, you may have to collect containers from the pharmacy for the used needles. A pharmacist will be able to tell you whether this is necessary.

Are there particular side effects I need to be aware of?

Any medication has a risk of side effects. Although most side effects are not anything to worry about, it can help to ask a pharmacist about what you can expect.

They can tell you the signs to look for that may require medical attention. This will help you determine whether any side effects you notice are reasons to seek medical attention or just a common side effect that will pass.

The pharmacist may even be able to share certain tips to help ease some mild side effects. For example, putting fish oil capsules in the freezer can reduce the unpleasant aftertaste.

When should I speak with a doctor?

If you are taking prescription medications and they do not help relieve the symptoms they are supposed to, you should make an appointment with a doctor. A pharmacist cannot change a prescription if it is not working.

The pharmacist will also be able to guide you as to when to contact a doctor about symptoms.

Summary

Pharmacists can provide you with valuable information about your medications, such as:

• drug savings
• how to dispose of medications
• the best time to take your medications
• what side effects to expect

They can also help you protect your health while you travel by providing vaccinations.

But if you notice that a medication is not working the way you expect or you experience severe side effects, you will need to contact a doctor.

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