Dear Editor:
This last week of October Pioneers Medical Center would like to celebrate our pharmacy team. Pharmacists and pharmacy technician are an important part of your care team, and provide your pharmaceutical care.
PHARMACISTS HELP MAKE YOUR MEDICATIONS WORK
Although medicine can make you well, it also can harm you if it is not taken the right way. That’s why you need to know all you can about all the medicine you take. While you’re at Pioneers Medical Center, the pharmacy staff is here to make sure that you receive the best and safest medications.
Here are some tips for using your medications safely while you are in the hospital:
– Tell your doctor and pharmacist all the medicines you take.
Bring a medicine list with the names of:
– Medicines prescribed by your doctors.
– Medicines you bought at a drug or grocery store (like medicines for pain or a cold).
– Vitamins, herbs, and nutritional supplements.
– Tell your doctor and pharmacist what you can’t take.
Your medicine list should also include:
– Medicines that you should not take (because of allergies or other problems).
– Other allergies you have (to things like peanuts, shellfish, or latex).
Watch out for:
– Any changes in your medicine when you get your medicines each day, like a different color or shape.
– Any reactions or side effects that the doctor or pharmacist didn’t tell you about.
– Ask your doctor or pharmacist:
– The name of any medicine you are given or asked to take.
– About anything that you don’t understand or that doesn’t seem right.
– For information about your medicines in writing.
If you have any questions about your medicine, ask to talk to a pharmacist.
Get help
Ask a family member or friend to help you. This person can ask questions for you and help you speak up about any concerns you may have.
Feel free to contact the Pioneers Medical Center Pharmacy Team at 970-878-9289
The pharmacists here are also available to talk to you directly about your medications. They can help you understand how to use your medicine correctly, what your medicine is supposed to do, and the possibility of reactions or side effects. You can also talk to your pharmacist about how to store and take medication, what foods or activities to avoid, and what to do if you miss a dose. If you would like to talk to someone about your medicines, please dial 970-878-9289, and your pharmacist can help.
Pioneers Medical Center
Meeker
