Your Local Pharmacy

Make the most of your local pharmacist

…For dispensed medicines

The pharmacy is where you go for medicines and for the pharmacist’s advice on how to take them.  Pharmacists are trusted health professionals whose job is to help people get the best out of their medicines.  Your local pharmacist will be able to tell you all you need to know about your prescription medicines. They know exactly what’s in your medicine, and will be happy to answer any questions.  They understand that it is only too easy to come away from the doctor’s surgery uncertain about when and even how to take your medicines. Should you take the tablets before or after meals? Are you using your inhaler properly?  You can be sure that your pharmacist will see that you get your medicine at the right strength and in the right dose and will check that you know how to take or use it properly.

…For minor ailments

If you are feeling off-colour, but don’t feel ill enough to go to the doctor, ask your pharmacist for advice.  Pharmacists have been trained to offer helpful, easy-to-understand advice on the treatment of everyday minor ailments for yourself and all the family –anything from headaches and coughs and colds, to cold sores, thrush or dermatitis.  Your pharmacist will know when medical help is needed, and will not hesitate to refer you to your doctor if your symptoms demand it.

Often, however, an over-the-counter remedy will be all you need.  It is worth remembering that pharmacies offer far more medicines than any other outlets.  That’s because many of today’s effective non-prescription medicines can only be supplied under the supervision of a pharmacist, which means they are only available at a pharmacy.  When you ask for a medicine, your pharmacist will need to ask you a few simple questions before recommending appropriate treatment.  Do remember that they are not trying to pry.  Their only concern is that you get the best possible advice for your problem and that the medicines you receive are suitable for you to take.

And remember, too, that you can talk to your pharmacist in confidence – even about the most personal symptoms.  Like doctors, pharmacists have a professional code that means all personal information you give them will be treated in the strictest confidence.  Mostpharmacies now have a private consultation area, out of earshot of other customers where you can speak to the pharmacist more privately.  Tell the pharmacist if you want to have a private chat.