Common questions to ask your pharmacist.

As a person with no medical background medicines can get confusing. You might have questions but may not be entirely sure if it is okay to ask them. We have made it a tad bit easier for you by enlisting all the questions that are okay to ask and you should ask your pharmacist.

Nowadays pharmacies have established themselves as online retail shops too, be it your local pharmacist, or an online one, you surely know which is the best online pharmacy in Kolkata. In either of the case, you should be able to ask any questions you might have regarding your medicines. 

1. What are the side effects of my medicine?

Asking your pharmacist what your body will have to go through after you have taken your medications is important. You can surely ask and      openly discuss the symptoms commonly experienced by others on the same medication. Your pharmacist will be able to warn you about any other medicines that might not be suitable to take alongside your present one. 

2. What if I missed a dose?

Did you read the question and thought to yourself, “Is that a possibility?” Well, trust me this is more common than you think. If you ever happen to miss a dose, you can ask your pharmacist about what you can do. Based on your medications, they will either suggest you repeat your course of medicines, just continue with the next dose, or take it as soon as you remember. 

3. What is the name of my medicine?

Usually, medicines have two names, one generic name, and one brand name. Ask your pharmacist about the names of your medications as it will help you mention them to your doctor or your pharmacist later on if needed. The brand name is mostly mentioned on the packaging, for more information about what your medicine might contain and what it is intended for you may need the generic name. Knowing your medicine’s name can help prevent dangerous situations. 

4. I am taking a non-prescription drug; can I continue it with this medication?

Herbal supplements, protein supplements, or vitamins, talk about any non-prescription drugs or supplements you might be on, you never know of the side effects it can cause, better be sure than sorry. 

5. How should I store my medicines?

Some medicines are supposed to be kept at room temperature; others might need to be refrigerated. Medicines can lose their effectiveness if one doesn’t store them correctly. Ask your pharmacist about it and he will tell you what needs to be done. It is always suggested to store medicines in a cool and dry place, sometimes you will find the storage method on the package too. 

6. What is the medicine intended for?

I am guilty of being too shy or embarrassed to go and ask the pharmacist what are the medicines for. I always thought if it was a question I can ask, will it offend the pharmacist, will he think I don’t trust him enough.

Don’t be like me, go ask your pharmacist what the particular medicine is for. Do you need it? Is there any substitute for this medicine?

Usually, you will get other medicines to keep your gastric health at check that may face imbalance caused due to the medicine given to cure your ailment. Others are just painkillers to help you go through the treatment.

Your pharmacist will be more than happy to answer your questions. Ask them, for you deserve to know what exactly you are putting inside your body. We watch what we eat to live healthily, then why not openly ask about any questions we have, instead of googling our way out.