Talk to your Pharmacist (US Version)

After Heath Ledger, actor in films such as 10 Things I Hate About You, the Patriot, and Brokeback Mountain passed away, I was saddened. He had shown ebullient smiles in 10 Things I Hate About You and the Patriot. He was talented and I had not expected this tragic turn of events.

Later on, the media reported that his death was due to a dangerous mix of prescriptions. My immediate thought was how could a Dr. prescribe all these medications to him? Did he go to several Drs? And in that case, why didn't his pharmacy alert him that some of the prescriptions were harmful taken with each other? Did he or someone working for him go to several different pharmacies?

If the pharmacist isn't amenable to giving you a short consultation, I think that is wrong and wonder why you would have anything to do with it. In my opinion, there are other options. Look around you. Can you see other pharmacies? How many pharmacies are there where you live?

Also, if there is no pharmacist on duty at your pharmacy, there is something wrong with your pharmacy. I'm dead serious. By law, a pharmacy is required to have a pharmacist on duty. If they ask if it's okay if an intern gives you the consultation, you can say it's okay if it's okay with you - provided that a pharmacist comes along for the consultation. The pharmacist may add information that the intern does not know. Or you can ask for a pharmacist, it's entirely up to you.

One more thing about pharmacies, a lot of them look like they demand a lot out of their workers, in my opinion. (Drive Thru windows, 24-Hour locations). I've seen a few pharmacy technicians that looked like zombies. I would be a zombie, too, if I was working at 4AM. While Drive-Thrus may seem great and fitting for McDonald's, I'm not sure how good they are for pharmacies and their customers. A friend of mine who is a pharmacist said he hates how people call from their cell phones because he often can't hear them well. This can cause problems.

As you may already know, the pharmacy staples Patient Prescription Information onto your bag. The paper the pharmacy has stapled onto your bag is about your prescription, how to use it and possible side effects. Inform yourself and keep in mind that the piece of paper won't tell you everything. Don't be afraid to call your Pharmacist (by the way, in case you are unaware, a Pharmacist is a Doctor (with a Pharm D) who has gone through Pharmacy School, and rotations). You may also call your primary care physician, or a MD (Medical Doctor) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) if you have questions, or complications with the prescriptions. I believe your first line of questioning and the person best able to assist you with your prescription is a pharmacist.

Keep in mind that not every prescription side effect will be listed on the literature that is given with the prescription. Consult with a pharmacist or medical doctor if you have questions. Some people seek out a second opinion from different pharmacist or medical doctor if they are unsure about what their medical doctor has told them. I agree with what my Dad told me when I was younger. "There are no dumb questions." Take good care, reader.

Note: This post was originally published on February 14, 2008 and has been edited and updated.