In order to fill a prescription at a pharmacy, you must follow certain protocols. To streamline the process—and reduce the chances of experiencing complications once you get home—follow these tips when it comes time to pick up the medication.

Do:

Bring essential documents. 

Bring a copy of the prescription from your doctor to crosscheck it with the medication you actually receive. Is it the right drug and dosage? You’ll also want to bring a valid photo ID so the pharmacist can make sure you’re the patient in question who will be taking the medication.

Ask pertinent questions. 

Ask the pharmacist how to take the medication. For example, should it be taken on an empty stomach or with food? Do you need to take it at the same time of day, and if so, how many days? Make sure to confirm that it won’t interact with any other drugs or supplements you’re currently taking, as well. Otherwise, complications could result. 

Don’t:

Pick up someone else’s medication.

You may want to help out a loved one by picking up their medication when filling your own prescriptions. Unfortunately, this is a practice that most pharmacies don’t allow.

Pharmacists have an obligation to distribute drugs to the appropriate patients, and they’re unlikely to breach this duty because a customer claims to be doing a favor for a relative. 

Opt out of refill reminders. 

Nowadays, companies can send a single newsletter to thousands of customers at the touch of a button. As such, you may instinctively opt out of correspondence whenever you’re given the choice.

Before you opt out of texts or emails from your pharmacy, though, confirm what the correspondence entails. If they merely want to send you a reminder when you’re due for a refill, you’ll want to stay on the list.  

The next time you need to fill prescriptions, head to Medical Center Pharmacy in Statesboro, GA. Since 1960, this family business has been providing personalized care and attentive guidance to residents across Bulloch County. As a full-service pharmacy, they also carry a wide range of over-the-counter medications, as well as novelties, gifts, and cards. To learn more about their friendly and qualified team, visit their website or call (912) 764-5643.