Reason 3: Your pharmacy can simplify therapy options
If you are taking a number of medications, it may be possible to combine some therapies in a single pill. Taking a single combination pill can be much more convenient – and sometimes less costly – than taking different drugs.
Most pharmacies can coordinate your timing for refills to lessen the number of trips to the pharmacy – this is called medication synchronization. When your pharmacist is responsible for all your prescriptions, they are in a better position to suggest options like this.
Reason 4: You can count on thorough and ongoing medication support
When you stick with one pharmacy, your pharmacist can provide full information about all the drugs that have been prescribed. This can include information about the purpose of each drug and about the recommended scheduling of doses. The pharmacist can also discuss potential side effects from drug interactions, including advice on what to do if these occur.
In most provinces, this advice can expand into a comprehensive one-on-one medication consultation. Ask your pharmacist if they offer this service. If so, be sure to take a list of questions with you, including questions about whether to stick to the medication schedule if you become ill.
For additional information, you may find it helpful to read our article Questions to ask the pharmacist about diabetes medications.
You can also turn to your pharmacist for help with your medication schedule. For example, your pharmacist can draw up a daily schedule and can arrange convenient options like blister packs. These are sealed packs that contain the required medications for a single day in a single pack.
If you prefer, you can draw up your own medication schedule, using the tool provided in the Self-Management Resources section of this site.
Your pharmacist can also help with medication challenges by providing solutions like easy-open bottles and extra-large instruction text on labels.