Frequently Asked Questions for Pharmacist
General Information
How do I contact my pharmacy?
For pharmacy (medical) questions, contact us
By Telephone: 345-947-8900
By E-mail: [email protected]
Using and Storing Medications Safely
How will I know if my new prescription is safe to take with my current medications?
Our pharmacists use a state-of-the-art drug interaction computer system to identify and review all potential drug interactions. We will notify your physician of any significant interactions.
It is important that you tell us about all of the medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements, and herbals. That way we can be sure to identify all potential drug interactions when you receive a new prescription.
What should I do if I have a bad reaction to my medication?
If the reaction seems serious or life-threatening — for example, if you have wheezing, tightness in the chest, fever, itching, bad cough, blue skin color, fits, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat — contact your nearest emergency room or call 911.
If it seems less threatening, a pharmacist would need to speak to you directly to offer the best course of action and to update your patient profile if necessary to avoid future reactions. Call us at the number printed on the prescription bottle [345-947-8900].
What should I do if my medication looks different from last time and there is no note telling me that it has changed?
If there was no note with your prescription bottle, check the bottle for a sticker that indicates it is a different brand of the same medicine. If there is no such sticker, call the number printed on your prescription bottle.
How do I know when my medication is expired?
Any prescription filled by Health Care Pharmacy will have the expiration date (month and year) marked clearly on the label in the lower right-hand corner. This is the date given to us by the manufacturer at the time of the production of the medication or one year from the date the pharmacy filled it, whichever is sooner. It is good through the end of the month noted on the label.
How should I store my medications?
Most prescriptions should be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from moisture and preferably out of direct sunlight, heat, or both. The medicine cabinet in the bathroom is not the best place for medications. Moisture and temperature may affect the stability of the medication, which means that it may not last as long as it would if stored properly. Some prescriptions should be refrigerated. Ask your pharmacist how best to store your medications.
Measuring Liquid Medications
Are cc and ml the same amount?
Yes, cubic centimeter (cc) and milliliter (ml) are equivalent measurements. For example, 5 cc equals 5 ml.
What is the metric measurement of a teaspoonful/ a tablespoonful?
One teaspoonful is equal to 5 ml, and 1 tablespoonful is equal to 15 ml. Remember not to use your own household silverware to measure these quantities. The volumes of household spoons vary widely.
Antibiotics
Why do I have to take all of my antibiotics if I feel better after a few days?
Antibiotics continue getting rid of bacteria that cause infection even after you start feeling better. If you stop taking them too soon (before your pills are gone) the bacteria that are still in your system can change so that they are not vulnerable to the medication anymore. Sometimes these bacteria can multiply and cause your original infection to return. This relapse may have to be treated with a different, more potent antibiotic, since the bacteria may have become resistant to the one you were taking at first.
Why don't I need antibiotics when I have a cold?
Viruses cause colds and antibiotics are generally not effective against viruses. The best medicine for colds is still rest, plenty of fluids, and, if you need symptom relief, over-the-counter cold products. If you do not feel better within 10 days, please notify your physician's office.
What are generic drugs?
When a company identifies a drug in the laboratory, that company is granted a patent on the drug for a period of 20 years. During the life of the patent, no other manufacturer is allowed to produce or sell the same drug product without the patent-holder's approval, thus eliminating direct price competition. Patent protection allows the original drug company to recoup the money it spent research and marketing, and to make a profit.
After the patent expires, other pharmaceutical manufacturers may develop, test, and market the same drug. These identical products contain exact quantities of the same active ingredient in the same dosage form as the innovator's product.
