Ellen Campbell -Grizzle

Medicines help to improve and bring longer life to people. Despite this, no drug is devoid of risk and careful monitoring can reduce negative reactions to medicines.

The current debate in Jamaica and worldwide suggests that the whole area of drug safety monitoring is of major concern. Pharmaceutical companies are required by law to test products to discover how well they work and whether they have harmful side effects. Beyond this, pharmacists play an important role in preventing adverse outcomes after a drug is released to the market.

Your prescription

In assessing your prescription, pharmacists workin cooperation with your physician to prevent the following:

Wrong drug or wrong dosage of the right drug.

Complications caused by self- medication, allergies or polypharmacy (large number of drugs being taken by a patient).

Lack of adherence to the prescribed course of the drug.

Basic minimum standards of service also help to ensure your safety. All pharmacists are health professionals who are available for advice on treating common problems. While dispensing your prescription, your pharmacist will review and confirm that the medicine is appropriate and give you the information you need so that you can use your medicines properly.

Any pharmacist who fills your prescription must:

Review and confirm that appropriate medicines are prescribed for you.

Label your medication containers clearly with correct instructions on how to use your medication.

Explain these instructions clearly to you.

Never restrict your option to purchase medication from another pharmacy.

Make sure that a registered pharmacist is taking care of your health needs. You have the right to decide which pharmacy you use to fill your prescription. Remember, the name of the pharmacy printed on your prescription should never influence your choice. It is critical that you know the name of your physician, the address of his/her practice and telephone number.

Beyond the basics

Many pharmacists have moved into new areas of practice or are expanding their role in existing areas. Traditionally, consumers have looked to pharmacists for guidance with the purchase of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. Answering consumer questions about OTCs is one of the most common professional duties at the community level.

However, as studies now confirm that consumers welcome unsolicited medication-related advice, pharmacists are leaving the dispensary to attend to people in the OTC aisles.