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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Erin Wendel, ewendel@aphanet.org
October 1, 2008
APhA Urges Consumers to Talk to Their Pharmacist
During American Pharmacists Month (APhM)
Patients Encouraged to Keep Up-To-Date Medication
Record
WASHINGTON, DC – During American Pharmacists
Month (APhM) in October, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) is
urging consumers to get to know their pharmacist as part of its "Know
Your Medicine—Know Your Pharmacist" campaign. According to an APhA
survey nearly 70 percent of consumers do not know their pharmacists
name. During its campaign, APhA will underscore the link between knowing
your pharmacist and the safe and effective use of medications, as well
as the various patient care services available from pharmacists.
"Pharmacists are on the frontlines of helping patients get the most
out of their medications," said John A. Gans, APhA’s vice
president and chief executive officer. "As our population ages, and more
people become dependent on medications than ever before, pharmacists
will play an increasingly prevalent role on the healthcare team and in
improving medication use and advancing patient care."
When used safely, medications contribute to better health and to a
longer and greater quality of life, but if taken improperly can cause
serious harm. Something as simple as talking to your pharmacist can go a
long way in protecting patients’ health and preventing medication
errors.
"The more information patients have the better able they are to
prevent errors and take care of themselves," said Karen Reed, APhA
member pharmacist and national campaign spokesperson. "APhA strongly
suggests that consumers choose a pharmacist and establish a relationship
with that pharmacist to maximize the benefits of medication
therapy."
To ensure the safe and effective use of medications, APhA recommends
seeking the expert advice of a pharmacist. Patients should ask the
following questions before taking any type of medication—
particularly those who take multiple medications, dietary supplements
and/or over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
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When and how you should I take my medication?
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What should I do if I miss a dose?
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Are there any potential side effects?
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Will my medication(s) interact with other medications or
food?
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How do I safely dispose of unused medications?
APhA also recommends keeping an up-to-date list of the medications,
herbal products and vitamins, including the time and dosage, as well as
the conditions the medications treat. The list may provide emergency
medical personnel with lifesaving information. As the medication
experts, pharmacists have the knowledge and training to help patients
safely and effectively use their medications. For more information on
how to use medicines safely, visit www.pharmacist.com.
About the American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
The American Pharmacists Association, founded in 1852 as the American
Pharmaceutical Association, represents more than 63,000 practicing
pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, student pharmacists, pharmacy
technicians, and others interested in advancing the profession. APhA,
dedicated to helping all pharmacists improve medication use and advance
patient care, is the first-established and largest association of
pharmacists in the United States. APhA members provide care in all
practice settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, long-term
care facilities, managed care organizations, hospice settings, and the
military.
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