The government estimates that if half the patients with minor ailments went to a pharmacist instead of their GP, it would save the NHS some £400m a year by 2011.
Using Medicines Safely
All medicines have the potential to do harm as well as good. Pharmacists are the medicine experts, and can help with any concerns you may have about side effects. Make sure you let the pharmacist know if you are taking two or more medicines, sometimes they can interact. The balance between the risk of taking a medicine and the benefit of treating an illness is a decision that you might want some help with - your pharmacist will be happy to help.…
Safe supply
In the UK, all medicines obtained from a community pharmacy must be tested and
officially authorised to make sure that they are safe and produced to a quality
standard. Although modern medicines are safe and effective, they may not be
so if they are not used correctly. Asking your pharmacist will ensure that you
get the most out of your medicines and help protect you from undesirable effects.
Types of medicines
Medicines in the UK are divided into three main groups: those that are only
available on prescription, others that are only available from pharmacies and
a small number that can be bought from other retail outlets as well as pharmacies.
Some medicines are branded, others are not – these are known as generic
medicines. To be sure that you get the best product and advice for your needs
ask your pharmacist, your local medicines expert. Your GP will sometimes do
just that.
Always read the instructions on the label or in the leaflet. If you are unsure
about how to take your medicines, ask your pharmacist.
What to tell your pharmacist
Always let them know if you are:
- Allergic to anything
- Taking prescribed medicines from another pharmacist or hospital pharmacy
- Taking over-the-counter medication or vitamin, mineral, or herbal supplements
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Buying or collecting treatment for someone else.
Buying medicines onlineIt is important to take great care when buying medicines over the Internet, particularly if the medicine concerned would normally only be available from your local pharmacy.If you are considering buying prescription only medicines over the Internet:
there may not be checks and controls on the quality and effectiveness of medicines supplied; and
there may be no legal recourse in the event of p...
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Questions to ask your pharmacist
- WHAT does this medicine do?
- WHY is it important that I take this medicine? Are there any other treatment options?
- WHEN and how should I take it?
- HOW long should I take it for?
- WHAT should I be aware of when taking this medicine? (eg. possible risks, side effects, taking medicines with certain foods/drinks/activities, what to do if I don't feel well while I am taking it, how to store it safely etc)
- WHERE can I go for more information?
79% of people in Great Britain have a community pharmacy within one kilometre of their home, and 47% have one within 500 metres. Maybe you could walk to your local pharmacy? You could benefit your health and the environment at the same time.
Simply enter you postcode below to return a list of pharmacies in your area. If you are looking for a particular service that your local community pharmacy offers then use the drop down filter to select this.