Patient Advocate: 5 questions pharmacists wish you would ask

Whenever I pick up a prescription, the pharmacist — or more likely the pharmacy tech — asks, “Do you have any questions about this medication?” And I usually say, “Nope, I’m good.”

You probably do the same thing.

And yet, our pharmacists didn’t go through eight years of college and pharmacy school just to not have us ask questions. So the next time you’re picking up a prescription, here are five questions your pharmacist wishes you’d ask.

1. Why has my doctor prescribed this medication?

A doctor’s decision to prescribe a certain medication is the result of several factors: your medical history, possible benefits and drawbacks and results the doctor has seen with other patients.

A major factor, however, is the outcome you and your doctor expect. Is this medication intended to cure a condition (like an antibiotic for an infection)? Will it prevent something from happening (such as a migraine)? Or is it intended to manage the symptoms of an existing condition (i.e. blood pressure medication)?

The pharmacist can tell you why this medication is typically used to make sure your expectations are in line with the doctor’s goal.

2. When should I take the medication, and how should I store it?

The label on the prescription should tell you all you need to know: how often to take it, how much, time of day (morning, bedtime).

A detail that is often overlooked is whether the medication should be taken on an empty stomach or after a meal. For example, ibandronate, which is taken monthly to slow bone loss, has to be taken in the morning on an empty stomach, and you can’t lie down or have anything except water for the next hour.

Some medications, such as an antibiotic liquid, may need to be refrigerated so they keep their potency. Others may need to be stored away from heat.

And here’s a follow-up question: Should I dispose of this medication after a certain period of time, and what is the best way to dispose of it?

3. What if I miss a dose?

This is a good one to ask because our schedules can mess up the timings of our medications.

In general, if you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue your regular schedule. If you are closer to the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

However, this may depend on the medication you are taking, and there may be instances in which doubling up is warranted, or you may need to skip the dose all together. As you can see, there are several courses of action, and the pharmacist can advise you on which is correct for a particular medication.

4. Will this medication interact with any of my other prescriptions?

It’s not likely these days that you see the same pharmacist all the time at your corner drugstore, so they are not going to know what else you are taking. Although your doctor should have flagged any possible drug interactions, again, it doesn’t hurt to double-check.

Let the pharmacist know whether you’re on blood thinners, blood pressure medications, drugs for anxiety or depression, or have had cancer treatment to set your mind at ease. If the pharmacist has concerns, this gives them a chance to confirm with the doctor that the medication is appropriate.

5. What are the most common side effects, and what should I do if I experience one?

Our medications are very well tested and controlled, so most side effects are mild. Ask the pharmacist what you should be on the lookout for and what kinds of side effects warrant a call to the doctor’s office — or a trip to the emergency room.

And, finally, a bonus question: What is the most affordable option for my prescription?

The pharmacy will first use your medical insurance to price a prescription co-pay, but there may be options that cost less. And if you’re uninsured, this is a particularly good question to ask.

If the doctor has prescribed a brand-name drug, ask the pharmacist whether there is a generic alternative. There are also a number of drug discount cards and clubs out there, and the discounted price may be less than the co-pay.

If you’re coming from a rushed appointment in a busy doctor’s office, you may have come away realizing you didn’t ask everything you needed to, or didn’t quite understand what was said about the medication. Even if you feel like you were well-informed, it doesn’t hurt to confirm the information.

• Teri Dreher is a board-certified patient advocate. A critical care nurse for 30+ years, she is founder of NShore Patient Advocates (www.NorthShoreRN.com). Her book, “How to Be a Healthcare Advocate for Yourself & Your Loved Ones,” is available on Amazon. She is offering a free phone consultation to Daily Herald readers; call her at (312) 788-2640 or email teri@northshorern.com.