Most Canadians need to take a prescription drug at some point in their life – for example, an antibiotic to treat an infection, an asthma medication for those with asthma or other lung conditions, or possibly a specialty drug for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, among other conditions.
So, when you or your employees need to get a prescription filled, there are a few questions you may want to recommend asking the pharmacist. These questions help to ensure your employees are better informed and getting the full benefit from any medication they have been prescribed.
Questions to ask:
- I currently take other medications and supplements – are there any interactions with my new medication?
- I have these other conditions and/or allergies/intolerances, is this medication safe for me?
- Are there similarly effective, lower-cost alternatives than the drug I’ve been prescribed?
- What are the most common side effects of this medication?
- When should I see the effects of the medication? How long is the usual duration of treatment?
- Do I need to keep taking the medication long-term?
- Can you do a medication review on all the medications that I’m taking?
REMEMBER: Pharmacists are experts in prescription drugs and are typically an underutilized resource. So next time you go to your pharmacy, consider speaking to your pharmacist.