Are you part of the 66% of US adults that regularly take prescription medication? If you are, you’re probably used to going to the best pharmacy each month to pick up the prescriptions that help you feel great.
Even so, you might not realize that you have some misconceptions about your local pharmacy and what pharmacists actually do. We’re here to help clear the air.
Keep reading to learn about some of the most common & best pharmacy myths as we debunk them.
Table of Contents
The Main Job of a Pharmacist Is to Count Pills
While pharmacists do have the important job of accurately counting out pills to make sure you get what you need, that’s not all they do. Pharmacists are there to act as a resource for you. They spend time throughout the day educating and counseling patients on the best medication to take.
There are even some pharmacies that specialize in serving certain types of patients. For example, a senior pharmacy has staff members that are specifically trained to work with senior citizens. This helps to ensure that seniors stay in optimal health by taking the meds they need to feel their best.
When pharmacists are not working directly with patients, they also work with prescribers. They make note of possible drug interactions that doctors need to know about.
You Can Adjust How You Take Your Medication
Unfortunately, it’s a common misconception that as long as you take your pills one way or another, then you’ll get the benefits from them. That’s not always the case, however.
Your pharmacy will always provide you with instructions on how you should take your medication. Deviating from those instructions can cause issues.
So, if your medication says that you need to take it before eating, stick to that. Likewise, if your medication is meant to be swallowed, don’t crush it up into a powder and stir it into water.
Finally, this means that you also shouldn’t adjust your dosage without consulting a pharmacist. If you think you’re feeling better and you should stop taking your medication, talk to your pharmacist first, as they can warn you about the potential side effects of adjusting your medication plan.
Pharmacists Only Need to Know About Your Prescribed Medications
Another common pharmacy myth is that your pharmacist should only be concerned with the prescription medications that you take. However, the opposite is true!
You should talk to your pharmacist about over-the-counter medications that you take regularly as well. Similarly, you should let them know if you’re taking vitamins or supplements as well. You may not realize it, but vitamins or over-the-counter medications can have negative interactions with certain prescription medications.
Avoid any issues by talking to your pharmacist about what you’re taking so they can give you guidance as needed.
Have the Best Pharmacy Experience Possible
After learning more about the most common & best pharmacy myths, you have a better idea of what happens behind the scenes and actions you need to take the next time you get your prescription filled. Keep these debunked myths in mind to have the best pharmacy experience possible going forward.
For more health and lifestyle content like this, be sure to check out our other articles before you go.
