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Posted 6 February 2019
Did you know there is more to a pharmacy than dispensing your medication?
We highlight some of the available pharmacy services you may not have been aware of, but take the time to enquire with your local pharmacist at Alliance Pharmacy about how they can improve life for you.
Medication PackingTaking multiple medications can often be difficult to manage, resulting in missed or incorrect doses. The World Health Organisation reports that approximately 50% of patients do not take their medication as prescribed. Medication packing by the pharmacy organises tablets and capsules according to when they should be taken, making it easier to keep on top of your medication. Packs can also be convenient for traveling, so that you don’t have to carry multiple boxes of medication on your trip.
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Medication ReviewThere are times where a more thorough medication review with a pharmacist can have great benefits. If you have been diagnosed with a new condition requiring medication, or if you’re currently taking several different medications, the pharmacist can conduct a MedsCheck in the pharmacy with you. A MedsCheck reviews your medication use, including over-the-counter and complementary medicines, with the aim to identify areas for improvement and provide recommendations for the most effective use of your medication. A more extended version of this service is called a Home Medicines Review, where a specialised pharmacist visits you at your home and conducts the review.
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Absence from work certificateIf you, or someone you are caring for is unwell, pharmacists are qualified to issue a certificate of absence from work for personal or carers leave. The pharmacist will use their professional judgement as to which conditions they can provide a certificate for. In general, illnesses requiring a doctor (such as long term medical conditions) will need to be referred for review. For short term issues that just require some rest, speak with your pharmacist.
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What happens behind the counter?When your prescription is presented at the pharmacy, the pharmacist uses their knowledge of medication and disease theory to assess the safety and appropriateness of the medication prescribed. This includes checking the dosage; cross checking against medication history on file for any drug interactions or abnormalities; and sometimes the pharmacist will need to contact the prescriber to address any concerns. This takes place during the dispensing process, and once complete, the pharmacist may then need to spend some time with the patient or carer to discuss the use of the medication.
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