Advice from your pharmacist

Your pharmacist, a resource close to home

There are more than 400 pharmacies throughout Montreal, making the pharmacist a very accessible professional. You should not hesitate to consult one when you are suffering from a benign health issue and when you have a question about drugs (both prescription and non-prescription).

The following services are offered in Montréal pharmacies:

• disposal of medications;
• prescription of emergency oral contraception (morning-after pill);
• information on drugs (interactions, side effects, directions);
• advice in the choice of over-the-counter drugs, including natural health products;
• recommendation of a pharmacological therapy adapted for smoking cessation and directions for it.

Several pharmacists work with other health professionals to offer services such as vaccination clinics, lipids assessment, asthma follow-ups, hypertension and other chronic disease workshops. Find out!

Good communication: the key to safe drug use

When you meet your pharmacist to pick-up medication, it is essential to communicate the information they need to help you properly.

You must let them know:

• all current medications used (whether prescription or over-the-counter);
• all natural health products, vitamins or homeopathic products used;
• if you suffer from a particular health issue;
• if you smoke or drink alcohol;
• if you have food or  drug allergies;
• if you are pregnant or nursing.

By always going to the same pharmacy, you make sure that your pharmacist has your complete pharmacological file, which avoids repeating this information during every visit.

In addition, when you go to pharmacy to obtain prescription drugs, make sure you know the health issue that requires the drug!

There is a pharmacist is in your neighbourhood…