Pharmacy Awareness Week

PHARMACY AWARENESS WEEK

By Trevor Shewfelt, Pharmacist at the Dauphin Clinic Pharmacy

We now have this and most other articles published in the Parkland Shopper on our Website. Please visit us at www.dcp.mb.ca

The information in this article is intended as a helpful guide only. It is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional advice. If you have any questions about your medications and what is right for you see your doctor, pharmacist or other health care professional.

Pharmacy awareness week is March 7-13, 2005. The theme this year is “You and Your Pharmacist – A Healthy Partnership”. One of the main activities we would like the public to help us with is a Medicine Cabinet Clean-Up! So grab those unused antibiotics from last spring, Uncle Joe’s ointment that he left at your house last year and that expired cough syrup and bring them back to your pharmacy for disposal. Old and expired medication can cause a number of problems if left in your house:
- Expired medications don’t work as well as in date ones
- Expired medications such as tetracycline can actually harm you instead of help you
- If your doctor has switched you from one medication to another, if you leave the old medication in your house you run the risk of accidentally taking the wrong one

As this week is called “Pharmacy Awareness Week” I think I should blow a horn for the profession! I think that we are one of the most accessible health care professionals. For instance, did you know that -

1) We detect and solve any problems with your medication.
Before filling any new prescription, we check your records to make sure you are not allergic to the medication, the dose is correct for you, and to spot possible interactions with other drugs you may be taking. If you experience difficulties after you start taking your medication, such as unpleasant side effects, we can help by suggesting ways to overcome the problem.

2) We answer your questions with expert information.
We have spent more years learning about medications than any other health care professional. Even after we leave school, it is part of our job to stay up to date on new drugs and treatments. Please feel free to ask us anything you would like to know about your medicine or other health-related concerns.

3) We teach you how to use your medicine effectively.
Even the best medicine will not help if it is not taken properly. Sometimes small things - like what time of day you take your medication or what you take with it can make a big difference in the effectiveness. We advise you on how and when to take your medication to make certain you get the greatest benefit from it.

4) We consult your doctor concerning your care.
As partners in your health care, we communicate with your doctor whenever necessary to ensure your drug therapy is going according to plan. We are always available to discuss your medications with your doctor.

5) We give you advice on staying healthy.
We give personalized counselling on topics such as vitamins and nutritional supplements, and how to use products designed to help you stop smoking. We also offer a wide range of educational materials to teach you good health habits.

6) We guide you in managing your illness.
Are you living with a chronic illness such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease? We are here to help you monitor your condition, provide advice about the safe use of non-prescription drugs and answer any questions about your medications or your illness. We work with you to keep you on track and feeling the best you can be.