Be Aware at the Pharmacy
It seems that as the larger chain pharmacies continue to grow, and the smaller neighborhood pharmacies close down, those large chain stores are becoming busier and busier. That's good for business for them, but makes for long lines and longer waiting times at the pharmacy counter.
As the pharmacy counters at the chain stores become busier, one problem is that there will be more likelihood of mistakes being made. We all like to think that our healthcare is taken seriously by the professionals who provide services to us, and I believe it is. However, the service providers, such as pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, are humans just like us. As humans they can make errors. Think of yourself at your job. On days when the phone won't stop ringing, and you have customers at your counter, and your boss is demanding that you do one more thing, it's easier to make mistakes. Mistakes especially are made when people try to hurry.
Some of the errors that can be made at your pharmacy include the following:
- Giving you someone else's prescription
- Giving you a higher dose of your own prescription
- Printing incorrect instructions on the prescription label
- Failing to place the correct warning labels on the prescription container
- Giving you a different prescription from the one the doctor ordered
In order to protect yourself and your family, you must take on the responsibility of being sure that your prescriptions are correct. You also must be sure that you know how to take your medication, how much to take and when to take it. You also must be sure that you are aware of any interactions with other drugs, foods, allergies and exposure to the sun.
Some ways to protect yourself are to be sure you understand and write down your doctors orders and instructions. Then, if the instructions on the package from the pharmacy differ, be sure to ask the pharmacist to confirm and explain. Read the label on your package prior to leaving the pharmacy. Make sure you understand whatever is printed on the prescription label. Be sure to mention to your doctor and pharmacist any other medications you are on, as well as any allergies or new health conditions.
While we can expect a high level of professionalism from pharmacy representatives, we cannot expect them to be perfect. You must take your health into your own hands.