Medicine Safety Tips At Your Pharmacy

Anna visits her pharmacist, Dr. Rosa, to pick up the new medicine Dr. Chan has prescribed.

Deciding on the right pharmacy for you:^1-4

Choosing a pharmacy and a pharmacist is important. You should find a pharmacy where you feel welcome and where the staff explains things well.

Remember that pharmacists are an important member of the healthcare team. When they prepare your medicines, they check your history and allergies, look for possible interactions, and contact your prescriber if they have any questions about the appropriateness of the medicine. When you use the same pharmacy for all your medicines, it will be easier for your pharmacist to know about your medicine history and changes in your prescribed medicines.

Be careful if you use an online pharmacy. About half of the medicines bought from websites that hide their addresses are counterfeit (fake). Learn more about how to spot the fakes.⁵

Some Questions to Ask a Pharmacist:

New medicine? Here are 10 questions to ask your pharmacist:^6-7

What is the name of the medicine (brand and generic names)?
What is this medicine used for? How is it going to help me?
When should I notice a difference or improvement?
How (for example, by mouth or inhaled) and when should I take this medicine?
Should I avoid any foods, drinks, or other medicines while taking this medicine?
What are the possible side effects and how do I prevent or manage them?
What should I do if I miss a dose?
How should I store the medicine?
Does my insurance cover this medicine?
Where can I get written information about this medicine?

Print these questions so you have a copy the next time you go to the pharmacy.

Reading Your Prescription Label
The label on your bottle contains important information to help you take the medicine as intended. Read the prescription label carefully.
Show that you understand how to use your medicine by repeating information about your prescription back to your doctor or pharmacist.⁸
Check your 5 Rights⁹
Right Patient (for example, Anna Smith)
Right Medicine (for example, aspirin)
Right Amount (for example, 81 mg)
Right Way (for example, by mouth)
Right Time (for example, once daily)
Helpful tips¹⁰
Refills¹
Your prescription number may be used at your pharmacy to reorder your medicine. If the label says “0” refills and you will be continuing the medicine, let your pharmacy know ahead of time. Do not split pills or skip doses. Take your medicine as prescribed and speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
Cost¹¹
If you cannot afford your medicines, you have options. Talk with your insurance company and your pharmacist. You can also check the website of the company that makes the medicine for assistance. Learn more about Pfizer’s patient assistance program.
Packaging¹²
If you find it difficult to open your medicine bottle, request an easy-open cap from your pharmacy.
Remember to keep your medicines away from children and pets.
Get your questions answered! If you read something in the papers that come with your prescription, and it alarms or confuses you, be sure to ask your healthcare team.⁸

Making Your Medicine List

Keep a list of the medicines you take now.⁸

Update the list when your medicines change so you are prepared to share it with all members of your healthcare team.

Include:

Doses and names of medicines, why you take them, how often you take them, and any special instructions
Name and phone number of who prescribes the medicine and the pharmacy where you get it
All nonprescription medicines, vitamins, herbal products, or supplements you use
Any allergies or sensitivities to medicines that you are aware of

Get started making your medicine list.

Help make your treatment plan work as intended by getting advice from your pharmacist and asking questions. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your treatment plan you should always reach out to your healthcare provider or pharmacist. You can also get support and information from patient organizations to help you understand your medical conditions and medicines.^8-13

1 National Patient Safety Foundation and Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Pharmacy Safety and Service. http://www.npsf.org/?page=pharmacysafety
2 http://www.consumermedsafety.org/medication-safety-articles/item/816-the-risk-of-continuing-medicines-that-are-no-longer-prescribed
3 Institute for Same Medication Practices. The Risk of Continuing Medicines That Are No Longer Prescribed. http://www.consumermedsafety.org/medication-safety-articles/item/283-your-pharmacist-needs-a-complete-list-of-your-medicines-even-those-purchased-elsewhere. Published February 17, 2017.
4 Institute for Same Medication Practices. Behind the Scenes with Your Pharmacist. http://www.consumermedsafety.org/medication-safety-articles/item/261-behind-the-scenes-with-your-pharmacist Published September 1, 2006.
5 Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies. Fight the Fakes. http://fightthefakes.org/resources/online-pharmacies-a-deadly-threat-to-uninformed-consumer/ Published June 22, 2017.
6 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Questions to Ask Before Taking Medicine. https://archive.ahrq.gov/consumer/safemeds/safeques.htm
7 Food and Drug Administration. Resources for You. https://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/UCM163351.pdf
8 SafeMedication. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Using Medications Safely. http://www.safemedication.com/safemed/MedicationTipsTools/WhatYouShouldKnow/UsingMedicationsSafely.aspx
9 Federico F. Institute for Healthcare Improvement. The Five Rights of Administration. http://www.ihi.org/resources/Pages/ImprovementStories/FiveRightsofMedicationAdministration.aspx
10 Medication Tips & Tools. SafeMedication. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. http://www.safemedication.com/safemed/MedicationTipsTools.aspx
SafeMedication. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Tips to Reduce Prescription Drug Costs. http://www.safemedication.com/safemed/MedicationTipsTools/WhatYouShouldKnow/Tips-to-Reduce-Prescription-Drug-Costs.aspx
12 Safe Kids Worldwide. Keeping Families Safe Around Medicine. https://www.safekids.org/sites/default/files/research_reports/medicine_safety_study_2014.pdf Published March 2014.
13 World Health Organization. Patient Support Groups. http://www.who.int/genomics/public/patientsupport/en/