Let the Pharmacist HELP

                                                      Let the Pharmacist HELP

Me - Hello
Friend - Hello , I need help
Me - yes What Is it?
Friend - I was given an inhaler
Me - so?
Friend - How to use it?
Me - Did not your Pharmacist explain?
Friend - I was in a hurry. I Came

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Above is a part of a telephone conversation I very recently had with a friend of mine. Being a student and now a graduate I have faced similar situation a lot and It was good this was at least a phone call once I was asked about a suppository through a text message !!!!!

Use of certain Medical Devices such as Inhalers, Insulin pens and certain dosage forms such as suppositories, Pessaries, Eye drops and ear drops need practice and prior demonstrations in most of the cases. When ever you visit your Pharmacist with a prescription of a medical device he or she may try to explain you how to use it. You may be in a hurry, you may think you know, and you may even assume that you can Call your pharmacist friend and take their advice But it is very important that you listen to your pharmacist and  I am positive there is no way you can learn the proper technique of using an inhaler over the phone and not to mention the varieties of inhalers currently available.

Now what you should focus on ,

- How to use / administer
- When to use 
- Where and How to store 
- How to carry your device with you 
- How to clean your device  
- When to discard and get a new one 

Yes above may differ according to the device but is true for most of them.

Your pharmacist will explain all the above in detail and it is essential for you to remember at least what I have listed.

Why you think your pharmacist make you wait and explain all these even when you yourself don't want to hear half the stuff he explains.

 Because it

- ensure proper use of device 
- improves patient compliance
- minimizes potential adverse events
- reduces side effects
- avoids misuse and abuse 

So it is for your own good and he wastes his own time to make sure you get
   Right Drug, 
                     Dose, 
                     Time, 
                     Route  


Also one step forward your pharmacist may also provide you with leaflets, pictograms and any other material for further reference if you are in doubt.

Know your Rights 

All Pharmacists may not be ready to waste time on counselling when they have long queues waiting for them ....

- Yes you can always ask for your Pharmacist to Explain or Demonstrate the use of a medical device no matter how long the queue is
-  You may feel free to ask for a language of your preference
-  If you are not comfortable being counselled in public ask for privacy!!
- Ask for an emergency contact number if available

In an ideal set up the privacy of the patient should be regarded with greater importance by the pharmacist and should have a separate area for counselling!!
Pharmacists are bound by a code of ethic and you can always trust your pharmacists with your health problems and expect them to respect privacy.

So the next time you walk in with a prescription of a Medical Device make sure you are willing to spend few minutes to be counselled for your own good and please do note that ignoring what your pharmacist got to say and ending up with consequences will be a Bitter Pill To Swallow....... Its always good to let your pharmacist help you with your medical devices than asking your friends family or googling.



Let Him HELP!!!!!!!!!!


Piumish (B.Pharm USJP)