It takes a team of professionals to give us the health and wellness support we all need. Pharmacists have specialized university degrees and have advanced knowledge about drugs. They are also are licensed and are an important member of your healthcare team.

It’s important to develop a close relationship with your trusted pharmacist so that all of your health and wellness needs are being met. You can do this by introducing yourself to your pharmacist, using one pharmacist for all your prescription medication needs and asking questions when you’re not sure about which non-prescription medication to buy.

Get the best OTC medication guidance

Over-the-counter (OTC) medication, or non-prescription drugs, are part of our daily lives. Whether you use them to fight a seasonal cough or cold or a nasty case of athlete’s foot, you need to know that what you’re taking is right for you and what’s ailing you.

Here’s how your pharmacist can help:

• Advise you on when to see your doctor rather than rely on OTC drugs or self care.
• Relieve your confusion over the many non-prescription drug choices lining pharmacy shelves.
• Help you choose the safest and most effective option for your own situation.
• Instruct you on how to take non-prescriptions drugs the right way.
• Advise you on more than medication and can recommend home-care products such as a home blood-pressure monitor or how to wrap a tensor bandage when your knee acts up after a workout.
• Inform you about natural remedies — what works, what doesn’t and how to use them safely.

Get expert prescription medication knowledge

When your doctor prescribes medication, your pharmacist can provide additional information that you may need about it. In some cases, they will also consult with your doctor so that you get the best treatment available. They also perform the very important role of creating your medication patient profile and follow-up on your situation so that you’re not taking a combination of drugs that could do more harm than good.

Here’s how your pharmacist can help:

• Give you professional advice on everything you need to know about the medication you’ve been prescribed.
• How to take your medication — with or without food, time of day and so on. As a matter of fact, your pharmacist will likely give you detailed, printed information about any prescription medication your doctor recommends.
• Possible side-effects and what to do about them.
• Ensures the combination of medication (both prescription and non-prescription) do not cause any problems.
• Provide a record of all the prescription medication you are taking. This is important when completing your health journal and if you plan on moving and will need to find a new pharmacist.
• Address your worry or concern over drug recalls or when the drug you’re taking makes the headlines.