Any type of medication that you take requires you to be well informed. You need to know what you are taking to avoid potential problems and take the right medications for you. It helps to have a pharmacist who has the time and ability to provide you with personalized attention and service. The neighborhood pharmacy at Chesapeake Rx is where you can learn more about medications and take charge of your health.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of the Medication?

Even over-the-counter medications may have side effects. For example, if you are taking certain types of allergy medications, you could end up fatigued. Although the box may contain a warning about side effects, it may be more effective if you hear it directly from the pharmacist because you know what type of side effects other patients are experiencing. The pharmacist will also tell you what to do if you experience side effects and when you should consider stopping to take the medication.

How Will This Medication Impact Other Prescriptions I am Taking?

Even though a medication may not be prescription, it could still interact with other medications you take. If you are not careful, you could experience a serious reaction to mixing the wrong types of drugs that could even be life-threatening. If you are already taking prescription medications, it helps to ask the pharmacist if the over-the-counter medication that you want to buy could lead to a reaction if taken with other drugs.

What Is the Most Effective Way to Take the Medication?

Some medications are more effective if taken at certain times or under specific conditions. For example, some medications are better taken at night or on a full stomach. Your pharmacist can give you advice about the best time and manner to take over-the-counter medications so they can have the maximum beneficial effect.

Does it Make a Difference if I Take Generic or Name-Brand Medications?

When it comes to over-the-counter medications, you typically have a choice between name brands that cost more money and store brands that may cost less than a brand name, but this does not always mean that you are getting a better drug. A pharmacist can advise you about whether you can get the same effect for less money or if it makes more sense to pay for a name brand.

Is There Anything I Cannot Eat or Drink with This Medication?

Some foods and drinks may not interact well with certain medications. For example, if you are taking pain relievers, you may be better off avoiding alcohol. In other cases, grapefruit or other citrus products could reduce the effectiveness of certain medications. If you are taking an over-the-counter medication, you can ask the pharmacist which foods or supplements you need to avoid.

One of the reasons why you may find it beneficial to fill your prescriptions at a local small business is the fact that you can have a relationship with your pharmacist. A pharmacist may not be familiar with you and your health situation at larger stores. They may be too focused on large volumes and moving customers in and out of the store. Your pharmacist cares at a small business, and they are there to answer any questions you have.

Speak with a Chesapeake Pharmacist at Chesapeake Rx

A Chesapeake pharmacist can collaborate with you to improve and maintain your health. At Chesapeake Rx, we go the extra mile for our customers to provide courteous and friendly service. You can speak with a pharmacist by calling us today at 443-249-3134 or contacting us online. Located in Stevensville, Maryland, we serve patients in Chester, Maryland, and all over Kent Island.