Departments

Community Services

Consumer Protection

Consumer Tips

Questions to ask your Pharmacist?

ABOUT PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

• Are there possible side effects that come with using this?
• Are there foods or beverages I should avoid while taking this?
• Can I drink alcohol whil taking this?
• Are there any drug interactions possible between the medications I currently take?
• What are the possible effects from using this drug on a long term basis?
• Can you give me any written information about this this drug?
• Can this medication make me drowsy or interfere with my ability to drive an automobile or operate machinery?
• Can you put non-safety caps on my medication bottles?
• Can this prescription be refilled? How many time?

ABOUT GENERIC DRUGS?

• What are generic drugs?
• Is there a generic equivalent that you would recomment?

ABOUT OVER-THE-COUNTER DRUGS

• Are there possible side effects that can come with using this?
• Are there any foods or beverages I should avoid while taking this?
• Can I drink alcohol while taking this?
• Will this interfere with the prescriptions and other over-the-counter medications I take?
• Can this medications make me drowsy or interfere with my ability to drive a car or operate machinery?
• Will this medication interfere with any existing medical condition such as glaucoma, diabetes, ulcers or hypertension?

AN IMPORTANT NOTE TO THE PATIENT
MAKE SURE YOUR PHARMACIST IS AWARE OF ALL MEDICATION YOU ARE TAKING AND USING. This includes over-the-counter drugs, prescription medications and topical medication.