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If so, a few important tips:
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 I had a young woman tell me she was scared to go back to her doctor after experiencing an allergic reaction in my pharmacy. I asked her why and she said that she didn't want to be a pain.
If you feel this then maybe you need to switch primary care physicians. Secondly, if you feel this, please examine why. A kind physician will empower you but the real power exists WITHIN! People will inevitable treat you how you treat yourself. You deserve care, quality, and respect. Everyone is worth it! Life isn't meant to be easy, its meant to give you opportunity to grow. Accept the challenge! My beautiful patient did go back to her doctor and felt great after doing so. She left me smiling (even with a rash covering her arms and face). Harm avoided and no harm done by going back. To all those single young women out there: You have all you need WITHIN. To people everywhere: YOU are worth it! “Your self-worth has nothing to do with your craft or calling and everything to do with how you treat yourself.”—Kris Carr Do you take oral contraceptives? If so, do you know that there are several medications that can decrease the effectiveness of birth control? I've found that many do not, even when this prescription comes from the same doctor. Please be sure to ask your pharmacist! (And read your patient information leaflets!)
I overheard a conversation today, on my day off from the pharmacy, about how the pharmacist didn't even smile when she picked up her prescription. Let me ask you one thing, have you ever worn a white coat? Do you understand the amount of responsibility a pharmacist holds on their shoulders every day they go to work? Enough to know that if one pill gets into the wrong bottle, a medication overdose isn't caught, or a doctor's handwriting is misread that one error can kill you. We, as pharmacists, are not allowed even one error. We must be 100% every hour, every day. There is a lot on our minds, including, yes, YOUR health and well-being. So, if the pharmacist provides you with the correct medication, in the correct dose, for the correct indication, please don't sweat it if the pharmacist didn't smile at you that day. Who goes to the pharmacy for emotional support anyway. There are other doctors for that. We care about you but please understand what it means to do our job. Until you have put on a white coat, don't judge. We provide a professional service in a retail environment where less help and greater pressure exists today. Know what service that is and help us help you. If you don't like the service, find a pharmacist you do like! In love and respect and in service to your health! We do care about you.
Do you ask your doctor questions about the prescriptions they write for you? An impromptu survey reveals that 75% of those presenting a prescription at the pharmacy do not know how to take the medication prescribed. Before you leave your doctor appointment, make sure you know what is prescribed, how to take it, and ask questions.
Yes, we are well trained at reading physician handwriting but YOU must be your own advocate. Take ownership of what's going into your body; you will lessen the chance of error. Those patients who are empowered protect themselves. One of the first questions we are trained to ask you is "how did your doctor tell you to take this medication". Not only does your answer to this question ensure the correct the drug, dose, and schedule for your body, but it helps us help you. If pharmacists recorded every time they had to call a doctor for clarification on a prescription, this number would reach to space and back several times! Pharmacist are just as responsible for a prescription as your physician. We take this seriously. Be empowered and become a vital part of YOUR own healthcare team. Vitamin "X". Really? Anyone care to guess?
I was told at a doctor's appointment that I should leave with a prescription for Xanax because I am young, single, live in NYC, and have a stressful job. So what?! No thank you, I'm fine. And by the way, did you know I am a pharmacist? Xanax is not a vitamin. Far from it! |
Dr. Jessica LewisA Balanced Life Archives
April 2019
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