When it’s time to visit the local pharmacy to pick up prescription medication, ask the pharmacist questions before exiting the building. These help ensure you take the prescription the right way to avoid adverse health effects and get the most benefits from the drug. Use these questions to guide the conversation.

FAQ at the Pharmacy

What should I do if I miss a dose?

While different medications have different guidelines, most require you to take the missed dose as soon as you remember—unless it’s almost time to take the next dose. Double dosing can cause negative reactions, such as lightheadedness from taking too much blood pressure medication or stomach pain from an extra dose of antibiotics.

Are there any eating guidelines I should know about?

Find out if the drug reacts negatively to any foods, including healthy fare such as fruits and vegetables. The enzymes in grapefruit, for example, can cause the prescription from your local pharmacy to break down too quickly and exit your body before it has time to work. Print out a list of foods you cannot consume as a reference while you take the drug.

Can I drink alcohol with the prescription?

Determine if you can drink alcohol and other nonwater beverages. If you drink alcohol while taking heart medication, for example, the liver may not be able to filter the drug as efficiently because it’s trying to get rid of the libation. Mixing alcohol with certain prescription drugs can also cause dizziness, behavioral changes, headaches, and heart damage, among other serious health issues. 

Are there side effects?

Ask about any significant side effects and how to manage them, such as exercising more to combat insomnia from diet drugs. Any potentially life-threatening side effects must also be noted, such as chest tightness and breathing difficulties. Call your physician or go to the nearest emergency room, depending on the severity of your symptoms.

How should I store my prescription?

Refrigerate your prescriptions, if necessary, or keep them in a cool, dry location away from sunlight or other heat sources. Lack of refrigeration or exposure to heat can change some drugs’ chemical compositions, making them less effective—if not dangerous.

Trust your prescription refills to Bernens Medical & Pharmacy in Cincinnati, OH. The community pharmacy has served the region since 1963, providing medical supplies such as blood pressure monitors in addition to over-the-counter and prescription medication. Call the local pharmacy at (513) 471-7575 with questions, or learn about refill services online. Like the Facebook page for the latest news and discount information.