Patients urged to seek pharmacists' advice

Patients are being encouraged to interact more with their pharmacists, asking questions that could help them better manage their health.

The Ask Your Pharmacist for Advice campaign - that kicked off earlier this week - urges people to ask more questions.

"People do not ask enough questions and are therefore not getting all the necessary information," Vivian Corporation director Joanna Cremona said. The campaign is being launched by the corporation with the approval of the Chamber of Pharmacists and the Malta College of Pharmacy Practice.

"We want to see more people asking questions and discussing health problems with their pharmacist." A number of people still look at a pharmacist as a glorified salesman, forgetting that he is a graduate and a professional who can help them.

She pointed out that patients need to know more about the medication prescribed to them. "You find many people who do not even know the name of the medicines they are taking." The campaign aims to get people more involved in the management of the medicines they use.

"They can always go to the pharmacist if they have a minor health or nutrition problem, and many times s/he can help them out."

Ms Cremona mentioned a modern trend of people buying medicines over the internet, something that could be dangerous. "There is no auditing of medicines bought online and there could be cases of counterfeit drugs," she told The Times, adding that cheaper medicines do not mean they are good for one's health.

The president of the Chamber of Pharmacists, Maryanne Sant Fournier, said it was good to highlight the important role that pharmacists had in the community and such a campaign encouraged more patients to discuss their medication with their pharmacist. The campaign is also important in view of the pharmacy of your choice scheme, through which patients will be able to pick up their free medicines from their chosen pharmacy.

When contacted, the president of the Malta College of Pharmacy Practice, Maria Cordina, said pharmacists' expertise is underutilised within the health system although they are "the undisputed medicines experts".

She said such campaigns are common abroad and have been found to be very effective in enhancing the interaction between patient and pharmacists. She said pharmacists are in duty bound to advise patients not only on their prescription medicines but also make a crucial contribution to enhance the appropriate use of self-medication.

A number of leaflets and posters are being distributed to both pharmacies and pharmacy clinics urging patients to ask their pharmacists for advice.

The leaflets point out that pharmacists can help patients choose medicines for minor ailments, like colds, pain, skin problems and acid in their stomach, showing them how they can keep their medicine safe and finding ways to remember to take their medicine.

The campaign also points towards the importance of building a rapport with a pharmacist, explaining that pharmacists who know their patients well will be aware of possible harmful interactions or allergies to certain medicines.

The campaign is part of the celebrations of Vivian Corporation's 50 years of collaboration with pharmaceutical research company Wyeth.

Questions to ask your pharmacist

What does this medicine do?

Will I need to take this medicine for a long time?

How should I take this medicine?

When should I take this medicine?

Is there anything I should avoid doing while taking this medicine?

Can I take this medicine with other medication?

What side effects does this medicine have?

What should I do if I take too much of this medicine?