It is always best to ask your pharmacist about possible interactions. This is one reason why it is so important to have all of your prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy. That way the pharmacist can see your entire profile and make recommendations regarding OTC and other medications.
Vitamins have become an important factor in medication treatment. The anti-oxidant group of vitamins has been found to help with glaucoma, stroke, heart attack and cancer. Though studies vary on the amount of each vitamin to take, all agree that taking anti-oxidant vitamins can be an important step in prevent many diseases associated with aging.
Vitamins A and E are two commonly used vitamins that can build up in one’s system to dangerous levels. This is fairly uncommon, but with some folks taking “mega” doses of vitamins, toxic levels are a concern. If you have questions regarding the appropriate dose to take, please ask your pharmacist. Also remember that vitamins or minerals may interact with some prescription medications, so be sure to consult your pharmacist before starting a new vitamin, or before changing your regimen.
Some pharmacies have a prescription disposal container available at the pharmacy. In some cases this may only be available for customers, or for non-controlled medications. Many people have flushed their used medications down the toilet, but there is now concern about medications showing up in the water table. This is especially a concern with regard to people who have a septic system rather than city sewer. Washington State is currently working on legislation that will make used prescription disposal available at all pharmacy locations. For questions regarding your particular medications, please call and talk to one of our pharmacists.
One technique that works well with patients who have a hard time swallowing is to have the patient hold the liquid (water, juice, milk) in their mouth before putting the tablet in. Often it is the feel of the tablet sitting on the tongue that causes people anxiety. By holding the liquid in the mouth, and then taking the tablet and swallowing it down, the person never feels the tablet in their mouth. Kids can be further encouraged by using a favorite juice. If a tablet is particularly big, ask your pharmacist if it can be broken in half, or if a ½ strength tablet is available that might be smaller. A patient would need to take two tablets in this situation, but it may be worth it.
Many people are using medication boxes to help their parents with their daily medications. These are plastic organizers that hold a week’s worth of medication. They can be filled by a relative, but whoever is filling them must be certain that the medications are put into the appropriate slots. Some pharmacies offer this service as well, usually for an additional fee. If you are not in regular contact with your relative, this may be a good solution.
No. In Washington a prescription can only be phoned in or faxed in by a doctor’s office. In some circumstances an original written prescription is required. If you have a question about how to best get your new prescription to us, please give the pharmacy a call.
All medications have a generic name and a brand name. In some cases a doctor may write down the brand name, and the prescription is filled with the generic. Not all medications have a generic available for them. However, when a generic is available, it is generally dispensed. This saves the patient money, and is oftentimes mandated by the insurance. The opposite may be true as well. A doctor can write a prescription using the generic name for a medication, but there is only a branded medication available. If you have questions about your medication, please talk to your pharmacist.
Prescription medication insurance is very complex. Some plans have a deductible that starts at the beginning of the plan year. (Note: The plan year may not be the same as the calendar year.) Other plans may have a tiered co-pay structure with expensive brand name medications having a percentage co-pay. (A common one is 50%.) In this circumstance, a $250.00 medication may still leave the patient with a $125.00 co-pay. In most cases there is a 1-800 number on the back of the insurance card. If you still have questions regarding your insurance coverage, the customer support number is a good place to get answers.
Many medications are available generically now, meaning that several manufacturers can make a particular medication. Different manufacturers may make tablets of a different color, size or shape. If your medication looks different than it did before, please call your pharmacist. We would be happy to verify it for you.
A compounded medication is one which is made in the pharmacy. Compounded medications include capsules, creams, suppositories and liquids, as well as other dosage forms. Oftentimes a drug is not available in a particular dosage form commercially, so it must be compounded. An example of this would be ketoprofen gel. Ketoprofen is available as a capsule, but not as a topical gel. All compounded medications require a prescription, and may take extra time to make, as they are prepared at the pharmacy. Compounding prescriptions requires specialized training and specialized equipment, so be sure to ask your pharmacist if they are qualified to do prescription compounding.