Questions to Ask Your Pharmacist

Pharmacists are one of the most accessible health care providers. They work in more than 125 pharmacies across Vermont, some of which are open evenings and weekends. You don’t need to make an appointment to talk with them, and they are able to answer your questions about medications.

While pharmacists are often busy filling prescriptions, “what we would rather be doing is talking to people and helping them with their medications,” says Elizabeth Gilhooly, a clinical pharmacist at Blue Cross VT. “So please interrupt us to ask questions because it actually brings value to our day to talk with patients directly,” she says.

If a pharmacist can’t talk with you immediately, leave a message and they’ll be glad to call you, says Amy Stoll, a Blue Cross VT clinical pharmacist. “They'll probably get back to you faster than your doctor's office will,” she says.

Pharmacists can answer questions about medications’ potential side effects, dosing, and the best times to take the drugs. They’re also knowledgeable about treating minor ailments like colds, cuts, and headaches. “Pharmacists are there to answer questions that they can, and if they can't answer the question, they will help you get to the right place,” says Gilhooly.

Questions to Ask

An important question to ask your pharmacist is “what is the best way to take my medication?” The answer can help you get the most from your prescription.

“For example, some medications can make you feel a little jittery, so it’s better to take them in the morning,” says Gilhooly. “Some are better absorbed with food, some are better absorbed without food. Those are things that aren't always conveyed when the prescription is written.”

If you are taking more than one prescription medication, a pharmacist can advise you on the best order to take them in and the most effective timing. “If there's concerns about potential drug interactions, that's something to talk to the pharmacist about,” says Gilhooly.

Insurers like Blue Cross VT use technology to check for potential interactions when a new drug is prescribed, she explains, but that screening doesn’t include other types of medications, such as herbal supplements. “With over-the-counter drugs, supplements, or herbal medications, the pharmacist can help you determine if there's any concerns about drug interactions.”

Make sure to tell your pharmacist about all the medications you’re currently taking, including supplements and over-the-counter medications, says Stoll. “If they don't have all the information, they might not be able to give you the best answer.”

Other questions to ask your pharmacist include:

• What is the medication supposed to do?
• What if I forget to take my medication?
• How long should I take it?
• What about taking other medications or drinking alcohol at the same time?
• Should I change my activities while taking the medication?
• Could this medication give me an allergic reaction?
• Should I expect any side effects?
• What if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
• How should I store my medications?

One question a pharmacist typically can’t answer is how much a medication might cost, because they won’t know until the claim is processed by the insurer. However, Blue Cross VT members can determine their out-of-pocket costs by calling Vermont Blue Rx at (866) 227-7849. Members can also use the Member Resource Center to see their current prescriptions and search for cost and coverage details on new prescriptions. After logging in, go to My Health Plan and select Pharmacy Center—VT Blue Rx. On the next page, click on the link for Vermont Blue Rx Member Access.

Free Medication Counseling Program

Blue Cross VT realizes that prescription drugs can be confusing, so we offer our members free one-on-one consultations with a pharmacist.

“We start with a comprehensive review of all the prescription medications, supplements, herbals, and over-the-counter drugs that the patient is currently taking or considering taking,” says Gilhooly. “We then talk about some goals of therapy and whether they have specific concerns.”

During the session, the pharmacist may suggest changes, such as adding a medication or changing a dose. “Members will come away with a comprehensive medication list, as well as an action plan, which is usually between two to four things they can do to improve their health, whether it be talking to their primary care provider about a particular medication, or making an appointment with a specialist,” Gilhooly says. The action plan is also sent to the member’s primary care provider so they can help implement it.

Members find that it’s helpful to have a pharmacist conduct a complete review and suggest improvements, she says. “I think most people are happy to have a resource that they can go to and come away with that plan of what to do next.”

To schedule a medication consultation, call (802) 371-3462.