A pharmacist is one of the most important and accessible healthcare entities there is. You can’t walk into a doctor’s office or call the office and get an answer in two minutes, but you can at a pharmacy. Pharmacists are capable of much more than dispensing medications. They have years of learning under their belts about how medications work, how they interact with each other, and the body. That’s why pharmacists are trusted sources for medication advice and information. Here are four things that your pharmacist can do for you beyond just filling your prescription:
Pharmacists help you supplement as needed:
Vitamin and over-the-counter supplement recommendations are the most straightforward way a pharmacist can assist. Patients are often confused when they receive a lab result or a doctor’s recommendation, and they do not know what to buy. In addition, physicians frequently overlook drug nutrient deficiencies, but pharmacists can help you figure out which nutritional supplements you need based on the medications you are taking.
Pharmacists help you manage your current medications:
Do you have any questions regarding your prescription, how to take it, when to take it, what to avoid while taking it, and other administrative topics? Side effects may have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life. You might be suffering from the side effects of a medication without even realizing it. Are you on multiple medications that might be reacting with each other? Are you looking for a path towards getting off a medication? These are all things that pharmacists are trained to help with.
They also know a lot about drug interactions:
Patients frequently ask if it is alright to drink alcohol or take other medications while on their current regimen. The answer is not always black and white, but pharmacists have the knowledge to help patients make informed decisions about their care.
From Pharmacy to Functional Medicine: Going Beyond the Pill
Many pharmacists are leading the way into more non-traditional roles as they expand their career paths. Pharmacists trained also in functional or holistic medicine can recommend lifestyle modifications, suggest specialty lab tests, help you replete nutritional deficiencies, and work with your provider to decrease medication load after digging to find root causes for symptoms and addressing them.
Pharmacists are your go-to source for all things medication-related. Next time you have a question or concern, don’t hesitate to ask your pharmacist for help. They are more than happy to serve as a resource for you and your family.
Dr. Keta Dodds is a functional medicine practitioner and PharmD with Revelation Wellness. She would love to get to know you, hear your story, and help you with any of your current medication needs as well as troubling symptoms. By combining her knowledge of pharmaceuticals with a functional medicine approach, she has been able to help clients reduce or eliminate their medications, find root causes of their symptoms, and live the vibrant life God designed them to. Schedule a consultation today.
