Yvette C. Terrie, BSPharm, RPh

Pharmacists can help patients with diabetes select a blood glucose monitor that meets their individual needs.

Daily foot care is essential to the self-management of diabetes, and pharmacists can recommend OTC products and techniques to prevent and treat infections.

Pharmacists can teach patients how to identify the symptoms of a hypoglycemic episode and provide methods for self-treatment.

Renal cell carcinoma is considered the most prevalent form of kidney cancer, and accounts for an estimated 9 of every 10 cases of renal cancer.

Nicotine replacement therapy comes in a variety of dosage forms. Pharmacists can help patients choose the right OTC smoking cessation products to help them successfully quit smoking.

Occasional nausea and vomiting can be prevented and treated with OTC therapy.

After assessing the frequency and severity of their patients' symptoms, pharmacists can recommend the right OTC products for individuals with heartburn.

Approximately 50 million individuals in the United States are affected by lactose intolerance. Pharmacists are in a key position to ensure that patients receive the essential nutrients that may be lost by not consuming milk and dairy products.

A multitude of factors can contribute to infertility, but with the host of available treatment options, 85% to 95% of cases are treated with either medication or surgery.

Pharmacists can help women choose an appropriate at-home pregnancy test and counsel them on the proper procedures to ensure accuracy.

Women may choose to manage their menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, headaches, weight gain, and fatigue, with a variety of available OTC supplements.

Patients with glaucoma-a group of diseases of the eye that cause damage to the optic nerve-may have questions about risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Patients with glaucoma-a group of diseases of the eye that cause damage to the optic nerve-may have questions about risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options.

When it comes to minor wounds, pharmacists can help patients assess if self-treatment is appropriate and recommend products to promote healing and minimize scars.

An estimated 1 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States. Pharmacists can help patients, especially those with risk factors, protect themselves from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Self-treatment of asthma is not always appropriate, but pharmacists can help patients with asthma determine if OTC treatment is right for them.

Allergic rhinitis is common, and its prevalence is on the rise. Pharmacists can counsel patients about their symptoms and recommend OTC products to control them.

Stress can have serious health implications, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and exacerbating medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and hypertension. Stress is unavoidable, but learning to manage it effectively is critical.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Pharmacists should familiarize themselves with the symptoms, stages, and treatments for COPD.

Insomnia is a condition that can have psychological, environmental, and pharmacologic causes. There are many OTC sleep aids available for individuals who need them, and pharmacists can help patients choose appropriately.

Patients commonly relieve their pain with OTC analgesics without a complete understanding of the potential adverse effects and drug interactions with these products.

Patients should understand how to use OTC and prescription medications that treat acne and follow preventive measures to reduce acne flare-ups or prevent this common dermatologic condition.

Patients should understand how to use OTC and prescription medications that treat acne and follow preventive measures to reduce acne flare-ups or prevent this common dermatologic condition.

Vitamin D, which aids the body's immune and skeletal systems in various ways, is available in many foods and in many OTC nutritional supplements.

Pharmacists are in a key position to advise patients with urinary tract infections on the OTC products available, including urinary analgesics and at-home test kits.

Hepatitis C can be a challenging disease for patients. Pharmacists can be instrumental in educating their patients about the pharmacologic agents available for treatment and provide them with valuable resources to successfully manage this condition.

Combination therapy is a frequently prescribed treatment for various medical conditions; however, problems can arise without thorough monitoring. Pharmacists can be instrumental in ensuring that combination drug therapy is used appropriately.

Many individuals can meet their nutritional needs through diet alone; however, some may find it difficult to do so and consider using a multivitamin/multimineral supplement.