You see a doctor, get a prescription, and go to the pharmacy. The person there, usually wearing a white coat, is what we call a 'pharmacist'. But many people think that their job is just to fill the medicine the doctor prescribes. But in fact, it is a much more important responsibility. Today, let's talk about who this pharmacist is, and what services you can get from them.
Who is this pharmacist?
Simply put, a pharmacist is a healthcare professional who specializes in medicines. Just as a doctor is an expert in diseases , a pharmacist is someone who has studied in depth the types of medicines, how they work, their side effects , how they interact with each other, and how to use them correctly.
To become a pharmacist in Sri Lanka, you need to complete a special degree in pharmacy (B.Pharm) from a recognized government university, and then undergo intensive training. That means that when you are given a medicine, a pharmacist is someone who knows almost everything about that medicine and has been specially trained for that purpose.
What help can you get from a pharmacist?
When you go to a pharmacy, you can get several services from a pharmacist. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Available service | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Administering medication according to prescription | This is their main job. They carefully check the prescription given by your doctor and give you the correct medicine, in the correct dose. |
| Giving advice on the use of medication | The pharmacist is the best person to ask you questions like, "Should I take this medicine before or after meals?", "How many times a day should I take this?", "Does it make me a little sleepy?" They will explain it clearly. |
| Awareness about side effects | Some medications can cause minor side effects, such as dizziness or stomach upset. They will inform you in advance about these possible side effects. However, if you experience any serious side effects, you should tell your doctor immediately . |
| Interactions between medications | Imagine you are taking medication for both diabetes and high blood pressure. A pharmacist can check to see if there is a problem with taking these two medications together. So it is important to tell them about all the medications you are taking. |
| Help reduce the cost of medicine | Some medications have generic versions that contain the same chemical, but have different names (brands) and prices. They can inform you about this. However, if you are switching medications, you should definitely ask your doctor first . |
| Minor health checkup | Now some large pharmacies have facilities to check blood pressure and blood sugar. This is not a diagnosis, it is just a test to see if you are at risk. If there is a difference in the values, they will refer you to a doctor. |
The places where many people make mistakes and the truth
There are some misconceptions in our society about the role of a pharmacist. It is very important that you are fully aware of these.
"I have a fever, can I get some medicine from the pharmacy?"
This is the biggest mistake that many people make.
No. A pharmacist is not a doctor who diagnoses diseases. If you have any symptoms such as fever, cough, cold , skin rash, stomach ache, only your doctor can diagnose the exact cause and prescribe the most suitable medicine for you.
A pharmacist can give you the medicine your doctor has prescribed. Or, they can advise you on something like an over-the-counter pain reliever. But they do not have the ability or legal authority to diagnose your condition and prescribe medication. Therefore, do not bypass a doctor and buy medicine from a pharmacy for any reason.
"Can I ask the pharmacist about the supplements I take?"
Yes, that's a good thing. If you're taking vitamins or herbal supplements, it's important to tell your pharmacist about them. They can help you understand if these supplements can interact with your doctor's prescription.
However, before starting any new supplement, it's safest to talk to your doctor and get approval.
Your privacy when you go to the pharmacy
Because a pharmacist is a healthcare professional, they are legally bound to keep your medical information and personal details confidential. So feel free to talk to them about the medications you take and your illnesses.
If you have something sensitive to talk about and you think others might hear, don't be afraid to ask, "Can I talk to you in private?" They'll give you the opportunity.
Take-Home Message
- A pharmacist is an expert in medicine, not a doctor who diagnoses diseases.
- For any symptom, you should first see your doctor. Never ask the pharmacy for medicine for your illness.
- Don't be afraid to ask the pharmacist any questions you have about the medication you are taking (how to take it, when to take it, side effects).
- If possible, get all your medications from the same pharmacy. This will give them a better understanding of your medication history.
- Even if a pharmacist recommends a generic medication, be sure to ask your doctor before switching.
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