My Source: Pharmacists
By GabbyPA
February 12 at 10:15
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19
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We depend on our team of doctors a lot to get us through and find treatments that work for us. We see them regularly and ask them questions about what we can do. That is great and we should.
However, there is one team member that is often overlooked and they are a huge wealth of information. That is your Pharmacist. They have a much better handle on interactions of drugs that your doctor may not know about or if you see several, they may not realize there is an overlap.
I have also found my pharmacist to be eager to share with me things that can help supplement my treatment such as what kinds of supplements or holistic ideas that can compliment what I am doing already.
There is a great relationship with that person behind the counter. Utilize it to it's fullest. It may just be what saves your life or improves your treatments. You will never know unless you ask.
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Replies (19 replies)
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Linda2 February 20 at 1:161 LikeLost my old pharmacy to a buy out by Walgreens. Hate it. Right out of the box they gave me the wrong meds. Didn't tell me - called my heart doctor and told them. I took the wrong meds for a month was feeling ill and didn't know what was wrong. They never even apologized. Don't feel I can trust them now, I really miss the service and knowledge of my old pharmacist. They were always there with answers to my questions.
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Young1s February 20 at 2:581 LikeSo sorry you have that going on with your pharmacy. Thank God you didn't suffer any life threatening or permanent medical conditions because of it. The same thing happened with our local pharmacy but the Walgreen's pharmacist I go to is quite the opposite. Very helpful and very informative.
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Linda2 February 20 at 3:181 LikeI am glad you were a lucky one, there seems to be a problem with this Walgreens, lots of people are complaining including the doctors. It's really hard to go from a home town pharmacy to the big box ones. They just don't have the same feel or service.
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Young1s February 20 at 3:310 Likes
It does take time. Ours was over 5 years ago now. But in your case I think an investigation into that pharmacy (or at least that pharmacist in particular) ought to happen immediately before someone gets seriously hurt or dies.
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Linda2 February 20 at 3:512 Likes
I do know that my health insurance, Medco, their pharmacist did file a complaint. I was just so upset that they hadn't even bothered to contact me.
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Nova69 February 13 at 1:213 LikesWe always try to support our local pharmacy. Our insurance tries to steer us to using their mail-in plan and we do with some of the more hideously expensive drugs. If the difference in cost isn't too great, we go to our local pharmacy anyway. They take good care of us, make special orders when we need it, deliver in all kinds of weather and provide advice at any time. If we don't support our local pharmacies, they'll disappear and we'll have lost a tremendous asset. Because of this, I don't mind spending a bit more locally.
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StrawberryMango February 12 at 5:224 LikesI totally agree. I switched pharmacies many times until I found one where I feel comfortable. They can be so helpful!!
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jayabee52 February 12 at 5:062 LikesI really didn't know much about pharmacists until my #2 son's bride, Rose, who is a pharmacy tech at W and "Jem's" friend Char who was a pharmacy tech at a hospital got together and "talked shop" one day.
It turns out that Rose was doing her undergrad work to become a Registered Pharmacist. As I understand it RPh's have to a doctorate in pharmacology. I did not know that before. Pharmacy school takes 4 yrs to complete. (guess I have to wait for a grandbaby from them)
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Old-n-Grey-n-Wiser February 12 at 2:402 LikesYou also should only use one pharmacy for all your prescriptions, this is the best way to prevent interactions.
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Young1s February 12 at 2:551 Like
I agree. I frequent several chains but only fill my prescriptions at one place.
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Old-n-Grey-n-Wiser February 12 at 3:012 LikesI know some people who shop for scripts like they do for canned goods and end up with their scripts at three or four drug stores,and some times as in my area two or three towns to save a few dollars, then the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing.
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digitaldoorbell February 12 at 1:454 LikesI agree but, as with everything, there are good and not so good. I am lucky too, I moved my prescriptions to a local pharmacist and now agree with everything that you said. As an example, I have neuopathy and it was just suggested that I try Arnicare gel, which is homeopathic pain reliever and made from Amica Montana. It is amazing. I had ceaseless leg and foot pain and this helped immediately. I am out today to buy a ton of it.
I am not promoting products nor do I benefit financially in any way from this suggestion, I am just pointing out that a pharmacist recommended something that has worked unbelievably well.
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Young1s February 12 at 11:272 LikesSo true, Gabby. They have firsthand knowledge and hopefully are keeping up to date with the latest information, possible interactions, recalls, etc. They're not simply there to fill out prescriptions. The pharmacists I've dealt with are willing to answer questions and offer suggestion, if asked.
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jigsaw February 12 at 3:072 Likes
Probably one of the most informative and accurate sources we have available. Also by helping to keep you healthy & happy, they continue to get your business. That's not a bad motivation when you get right down to it!
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jigsaw February 12 at 10:263 LikesThis is defiinitely an excellent point. My pharmacist answers question about my medications frequently. I agree that they are an excellent source for medication info!
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