Pharmacists are an important part of your healthcare team, not just shopkeepers. Asking a few smart questions before buying a new medicine can prevent mistakes and surprises.
Start with: “What is this medicine for, and how should I take it?” Clarify dose, timing with respect to food, and how long the course should last. Ask, “What common side effects should I watch for?” so you’re not alarmed by every small change.
If you take other regular medicines or have conditions like kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes or pregnancy, mention them. Ask, “Does this interact with anything I already take?” or “Is this safe for my condition?”
Check storage instructions – room temperature or fridge – and expiry dates. If the label or instructions are in very small print, ask the pharmacist to explain the main points simply.
Taking two extra minutes at the counter turns medicine use from guesswork into informed care, and that’s always worth it.