APhA URGES PATIENTS TO GRILL PHARMACISTS ABOUT Rx DRUGS

Patients will be peppering their pharmacistswith questions about prescriptionmedicines, if the American PharmacistsAssociation (APhA) has its way. The associationis urging patients to approachcommunity pharmacists to "ask questions,talk about their concerns, and provideany necessary health information."

Specifically, APhA officials said thatpatients should ask their pharmacist forthe name of the medication dispensed,what the drug is supposed to do, and howit should be taken. They should ask aboutthe best time of day to use the medication,how to determinewhether thedrug is working,and what to do ifthey miss a dose.

Association officialsalso wantpatients to discussside effects ofdrugs with theirpharmacist. According to APhA, "It is veryimportant to find out all serious sideeffects and have an emergency contactnumber."