Questions asked by our Pharmacists
Tuesday, 13 April 2010 16:32
In our Pharmacies, all our staff are trained to ask certain questions when customers come in to buy medicines for their minor ailments.
The questions we ask are for your protection, so that we can make sure that the medicines you are asking for are appropriate for you and that you take them correctly.I know that this may sound a bit simplistic but the last thing that any of us want is for anyone to be harmed.
Typically a range of basic questions are asked:
- Who is the medicine for?
Especially if it is not for you, and your Murrays Pharmacist will need to know if the patient is under 12, pregnant, elderly, with a chronic disease, such as diabetes, or breastfeeding. All these people have special needs for medication.
- What are the symptoms?
The Murrays Pharmacist and staff are trained to spot the signs of more serious conditions which can present as common symptoms, such as cough or upset stomach, and will refer you to your Doctor if necessary.
- How long have you had symptoms?
This ties in with the previous question as something like a cough which lasts longer than three or four days needs referral to your Doctor.Your Murrays Pharmacist can help you with this.
- What action have you taken already?
Your Murrays Pharmacist will need to know what you have tried already, so he/she can make a judgement.
- Are you taking any other medication?
You may be taking medication for a chronic condition such as heart disease, high blood pressure etc and anything you buy could react harmfully with your prescribed medication or worsen your condition.
Also, if you find that medication you buy is not working as you think it should, the Murrays Pharmacy Staff can refer you to the Pharmacist for advice on an alternative which may be more effective.
It is important that you involve the Murrays Pharmacy Staff in your choice of medication for minor ailments as they can give you good advice for your condition and keep you safe.
