Know Your Medicine, Know Your Pharmacist

Although we spend billions of dollars every year on medicines, many of us don’t know what to expect from them or how to take them properly. Taken correctly, medications can save lives. Taken incorrectly, even the most expensive medicine may not work – or may even be harmful.

By working together with your pharmacist, you can learn how to take your medications safely and appropriately. Your pharmacist can help assess your unique lifestyle and work with you to improve the effectiveness of the medicines you take. Acting as an integral member of your healthcare team, your pharmacist can consult with your physician to be sure you are taking the most appropriate medications.

As accessible healthcare professionals who understand today’s complex medicines, pharmacists want to help you feel your best. But, your pharmacist can only work to help you develop a personalized care plan if you have a long-term relationship where s/he knows your lifestyle and medical history. Although today’s busy world often makes it difficult to go to the same pharmacy and take the time to develop a personal relationship with your pharmacist, that time will pay off later with improved health and peace of mind.

To learn more about how your pharmacist can help you improve your health or to find health information that can help you understand and control illness, please see the information below.

What Your Pharmacist Can Do For You
Find out how your pharmacist can work as the medication expert to help you take your drugs more safely and improve the quality of your life.

Think It Through: A Guide to Managing the Benefits and Risks of Medicines
This public service announcement gives some suggestions on how to lower the risks of your medicines and receive their full benefits.

Pharmaceutical Care Quiz
Click here to find out if you are taking your medicines safely and correctly and how to improve your medication usage.

About Your Medicines
The American Pharmacists Association maintains this page to help you use prescription and nonprescription drugs safely and appropriately in yourself and in your children.

How to Be Informed About Your Medicines
Twenty easy steps to help you make sure you understand your medicines.

Patient Brochure Series
This page provides a broad range of information about common medical conditions and drug usage questions.

Self Care
This site helps you use over-the-counter products safely by providing detailed information on drug-drug interactions as well as suggestions based on your "self-care profile."

Health Events Calendar
Find out what months are designated to increase awareness about particular diseases.