They say that there is a day for everyone and everything and sometimes that day is shared by several different "jobs". Today according to the "Day of Years" is Pharmacist Day! Great Timing too! In the middle of the winter, chances are that you have had to visit your local Drug Store at least once or twice.
So what makes those guys and gals so special? I guess part of it has to come from the fact that they can dispense drugs to us, who are weary of being sick.
Today we are confronted with not only drugs that will help us to feel better, but we are also confronted by "holistic" or naturally based chemicals that do the same thing. Truth be known, I stand in the Over the Counter Drug area, with a look of complete awe and frustration on my face, because, the variety of pills available is mind staggering. Unless you have a PhD in drug identification, you have no idea what you are taking and the possible side effects that are going to be unleashed.
So I for one, am very happy to speak to the pharmacist to make sure that what I am taking is not going to bring about some unpleasant reaction or even some harm. After all I want to feel better not worse.
I trust in their education and experience to point me in the right direction and to purchase the medication that is going to make me feel human again.
After all the pharmacist has had many years of education and experience dealing with people and their medical/drug needs. Along with continuing education and courses dealing with specific illnesses, they are the first line of defense, when you are starting to feel ill.
Now if there are other medical issues, of course you are going to deal with your family doctor as well as your pharmacist. The two go hand in hand. But for simple illness, like coughs, colds and just general malaise, going to the pharmacist first is quite acceptable. He/she will point you to the family doctor if they feel there is a need for more investigation into why you are feeling ill.
Drugs and drug interactions are something that can cause more grief due to lack of disclosure. So do yourself a favor and keep a list of all medications you are taking on a daily basis, so that when and if you need a prescription filled or something in the "over the counter area", the pharmacist is giving you the best drug advice available for your symptoms. That way you will be on the road to mend, before you can say "dextromethorphan" fast three times.
Happy Pharmacist's Day, here's to your health!
Doctors are not always available to ask questions (ie: after office hours). When you are in pain and suffering, you need someone knowledgeable who can help. I know I have called our local pharmacist a few times asking specific questions about medications, well mostly asking if medications can be taken at the same time like you mentioned. Excellent idea to have a specific day set aside to honor this great vocation.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more, we use a local pharmacy right around the corner from us and they are just fantastic. They even call the doctors office to get my refills.
ReplyDeleteGreat to have a day to honor pharmacists. I have found several very helpful over the years. Following surgery a few years ago, my daughter was sent home from the hospital with a couple different prescriptions. She became confused about what the doctor had told her about them and later the first day home, after doctor's hours, she wasn't sure if she was supposed to take her meds before or after eating. Her local pharmacist came to the rescue with the correct advice. Sure relieved her mind.
ReplyDeleteI used to work as a medical transcriptionist. so I've been around drug names, thousands of them, through the years. I stand in awe of pharmacists and the mountains of information that they need to learn, know, keep up with, and understand in order to keep their customers/patients both safe and well. One tiny slip-up very literally can mean the difference between life and death. Happy Pharmacist Day to each of you out there!
ReplyDeleteI would not be without the book you recommended. With as many prescription drugs, OTC medications and supplements as we take, Kosta and I have to keep on top of these interactions. We hate to bother our busy pharmacist unless we can't get the information we need elsewhere. We still have called her on occasion when we have started a new drug and have questions. Thanks for filling in for me.
ReplyDelete