| Talking to your pharmacist. |  |
Pharmacists are experts on your medication. Don’t be afraid to use them! They can be a huge help in reviewing doctor's instructions, answering questions about how to take medication, and providing guidance and explanations about warnings, precautions and storage. Pharmacists are well-trained in the chemical composition of drugs, how they act in the body, and how they interact with other drugs.
Pharmacies and pharmacists are worth getting to know.
Take the time to find a good pharmacist. Ask him if he is familiar with PD medications. Make sure he is able to explain things to you clearly, such as the differences between different PD medications, their side effects, and their interactions with other medications you may be taking.
You’ll also want to make sure your pharmacy and pharmacist is available to you. Check out pharmacies that are close to you, that offer free delivery, rapid refill options, or re-ordering by computer or voicemail. Do you need one that is open 24 hrs per day, or one your caregiver can drive through? They exist! Pick one out. Then go in and speak to the pharmacist or pharmacists.
Lastly, make sure the price is right. Prices can vary, even between pharmacies, so shop around!
Pharmacy Checklist.
Before filling a new prescription:
• Bring a list of all medications the patient is taking. This list should include:
all Parkinson's medications
all other prescription medications, if any
all other over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol® (acetaminophen)
all other vitamin, dietary or herbal supplements
• Share this information with the pharmacist
and ask if there are any potential complications
from using the medications
together.
• Regarding the new medication, ask your pharmacist to:
Review doctor's instructions
Be clear how many times a day to take the medication
Discuss if medication should be taken with or without food
Discuss how medication should be stored
(in the refrigerator or in a cool, dry place, for example)
Explain what to do if a dose is missed
Explain the medication's warnings and precautions
Explain what possible side effects of the medication may occur and
what to do if they do occur
While you are on the medication, speak to your pharmacist if you:
- Experience any of the side effects and are
unclear what to do
- Experience any unusual reactions, such as constipation,
urinary problems, nausea, mood swings, and/or sleep disorders
- Miss a
dose, and can't recall what you should do in that scenario
- Have any
questions about your treatment
- Have any questions about generic substitutions
Make sure to get an emergency number in case of severe problems.
