FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Is my prescription available in "generic"?
A. "Generics" are available on many popular medications. The generic drugs are the same formulation as the name brand drugs, but are usually made by a different manufacturer. In all cases, generic drugs can save you money and offer the same therapeutic value as the name brand. Some drugs are not available as a generic. When a medication is developed, the company that developed it has the exclusive rights to it's manufacture for several years. When a drug becomes available generically, there is always a 20 to 80% cost savings. Ask your pharmacist on a per-perscription basis.

Q. If I have other health issues not related to the prescription I'm getting, should I mention this to my pharmacist?
A. Yes. Some medications can have adverse effects when used with other medications or side effects that can aggravate a different health condition. Ask your pharmacist AND doctor about this with any new prescription. This is especially important if you are changing or seeing a new doctor or pharmacist, as they are not yet familiar with your health history.

Q. Does it matter if I take my prescription before or after eating?
A. Many prescription drugs can work differently depending on the acidity of your stomach. Ask your pharmacist on each prescription you'll be taking. Our pharmacists consult with patients and label bottles with this information on all prescriptions. Some medications may need to be taken on an empty stomach while others may irritate your stomach unless you take with food or drink. Consult your pharmacist if this information is not on your label.

Q. How often can i get a prescription refilled?
A. When a doctor issues a prescription, he will designate an amount of time it can be refilled, an actual number of refills or both. This is logged and kept track of by your pharmacist and appears on your label each time it is filled. When you are running out of a prescription or refills you should consult with your doctor for them to evaluate your continued need for that drug. Your pharmacist can let you know at any time how many refills you have left.

Q. My pharmacist and/or doctor asked me if I'm allergic to a certain drug. How will i know?
A. The only way to know if you are allergic to a medication is to take it. Let your doctor and pharmacist know about any and all allergies you know you have to any drugs or substances whether you're allergic to aspirin, seafood, cats or anything. If you're not sure, ask your doctor and pharmacist what symptoms you may experience if you are having an allergic reaction. Don't hesitate to call your pharmacist or physician if you think you are having an allergic reaction to any medications.