Keep the Pharmacist Up to Date

Unless you are in the intensive care unit you most likely see the pharmacist more than any other health professional so keep us abreast of how you are doing medically.  I appreciate getting to know more about a patient than their medical history like pets, kids, vacations, work, hobbies, etc. But keeping up to date on the medical history is the most basic patient-pharmacist relationship we must foster.  

Just began taking a medication for the first time?  When it's time for a refill let me know how things are going.  
-Did you have trouble remembering to take all of the doses each day?  If not we can talk about ways to remember or we can consult with the doctor about an extended release dosage form which may simplify the regimen.  Medications that require more than one dose a day are as you would expect are much more difficult to comply with. 
-Any side effects after taking the medication?  Some adverse effects are self limiting and cease in the first week or two.  There are other adverse effects that will persist without intervention. A good example are statin drugs.  It is well known that they can cause muscle pain/cramps, some more than others, but I have seen many patients grin and bear the pain without bringing it up until it really begins to affect quality of life.  The solution can be as easy as switching to a different statin which is often successful or an alternative cholesterol agent when necessary.  
-Were you able to tolerate the dosage form?  Whether it be a cream, tablet, capsule or suspension there may be a reason why you aren't able to take the medication regularly. Again let us know because there may be many solutions to the problem including specially compounding the medication for you.  

If there are problems with your medication regimen, don't wait for the next doctor's appointment in six months bring it to a pharmacist's attention or call your doctor.  Many times this may avoid more serious adverse outcomes and reduce the impact on quality of life.  

Sincerely,

Steven Jensen, PharmD.

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