4 Things Your Pharmacist isn't Telling You


We need to talk. I’ve been noticing that you sometimes don’t pick up your refills. Often times, you’re shocked at the high price of your prescriptions. Other times, you’re frustrated because you have to wait a long time in line or your prescription isn’t ready.

Believe it or not, I get it. I want to help you be healthy, and it’s especially important to me that you can afford your prescriptions. So, I’ve prepared this list of insider tips to help you, your wallet, and your relationship with your pharmacist the next time you have to fill a prescription.

1) How to save money on prescriptions

Saving on your prescriptions can be complicated, but here’s a great place to start — ask me! Don’t be afraid to ask your pharmacist for help.  No one knows drug prices better than I do.

Here are five tips I use all the time:

2) How to refill prescriptions as quickly as possible

3) How to stop using unnecessary medications

Being overmedicated will not only put a dent in your wallet but can do your health more harm than good. Talk to your pharmacist if you are concerned that you you may be taking too many medications — we can help you get to the bottom of it.

Your pharmacy may offer medication therapy management (MTM), and it’s free for most patients with Medicaid or Medicare. Your pharmacist will sit down with you to discuss your medications in-depth. We can help you track down unwanted side effects, unnecessary medications, alternative and less expensive options, and much more.

4) Other lesser known pharmacy services

The role of a pharmacist can vary depending on one state to the next. In many cases though, a pharmacist can do much more than just fill your prescription.

A pharmacist in a retail or grocery store may offer:

  • Counseling
  • Advice about over-the-counter medications
  • Immunizations
  • Medication therapy management (MTM)
  • Blood pressure screenings
  • Cholesterol screenings
  • Hepatitis C screenings

A pharmacist in a hospital or clinic may offer:

  • Anticoagulation clinics
  • Team-based care with your doctors and nurses
  • A review of your medication and health history

Well, thanks for listening to me. When you’re waiting in line at the pharmacy or trying to get your refill straightened out, remember that I’m just trying to help. In fact, everyone at your pharmacy, including technicians and interns, is working hard behind the scenes from the time you drop your prescription off until the time you pick it up.

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