At the Pharmacy

So, you’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes, and your doctor has prescribed some medications for you. Until now, you may have had little or no need to use one, but becoming familiar with your local pharmacy is an important step towards better health and effective control of your blood sugar levels. The pharmacist does a lot more than simply count pills and place them in a bottle. Get to know him or her. He or she can help you understand your diabetes medications, give advice, save you from dangerous drug interactions, and can even save you money. Try these tips:

• Shop at only one pharmacy whenever possible. If you have all your medication records in one place, you lessen the risk of experiencing dangerous drug interactions or taking duplicate medicines. This isn’t always possible, of course. For example, if I go to the Emergency Room outside pharmacy hours, I have to go to a more distant pharmacy to get a prescription filled or wait until the next day.
• Carry a list of all your medications at all times. I have my list on my smart phone, but a paper list tucked into your wallet serves just as well. Include any over-the-counter (or OTC) medications such as aspirin, and also any vitamins or herbal supplements you take on a regular basis. This is handy for visits to the pharmacy, but also when you visit your doctor, dietitian, and in emergencies. If you use your smart phone, be sure to transfer the data if (more likely when) you change your phone. It wasn’t until I was writing this post that I realized I had failed to do that, but at least I now have a fully updated list.
• Get to know your pharmacist. You probably do not need an appointment, but try to visit at a time when the pharmacist is less likely to be busy. Most pharmacies have a place where you can talk privately. Refer to your medications list (see above) and be sure to discuss how these items all interact with each other.
• Your pharmacist may help you to reduce medication costs. For example, it may be possible to get a 60-day or 90-day supply of your drugs. This can significantly reduce your costs. At one time, I was taking a combined pill that contained two medications. At the suggestion of the pharmacist, I asked my doctor about getting two separate prescriptions. Not only did he agree to do so, but the cost of the two prescriptions together came to less than one-fourth of what I had been paying for the combined pill.
• Follow up with the pharmacist. This is especially important if you are changing, adding, or reducing medications.

Please note that the content presented here is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and it should not be used to diagnose  or treat a health problem or disease.