According to the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, people 60 – 69 years old take nearly 14 prescriptions per year, and those 80 – 84 take an average of 18. While medications do help improve the quality of life for seniors, so do pharmacists. A pharmacist can help you understand when and how to take your medicines, what side effects you might expect and what interactions may occur between drugs. A pharmacist can answer your questions privately in the pharmacy or over the telephone:
Ask if there are lower cost brand name products or generic equivalents.
Your pharmacist should offer assistance to lower out-of-pocket expenses.
Ask questions you have about your medications.
Ask for a list of medications on file with the pharmacy to discuss with your doctor.
Ask for written information about your medicines — is it available in large type or your native language?
Many pharmacists keep track of customer medications on their computer. Buy your medicines at one store so your pharmacist can make sure all your prescription drugs, over the counter medicines and dietary supplements, won’t interact harmfully with one another.
Find a pharmacist who cheerfully participates in your healthcare and has the answers.
BYRON N.YOSHINO, PHARM.D.
3375 Koapaka Street, Suite G320, Honolulu, HI 96819
808-836-0223 | www.PharmacareHawaii.com
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