Questions for your pharmacist (FAQ)

Answer:

Prescription and over-the-counter generic drugs (e.g. Option+ products) are just as effective as recognized brand-name medications. 

Generic drugs manufactured by pharmaceutical companies must undergo rigorous testing to prove that their effectiveness is equal to that of the original. Generic medications must contain the same active ingredients. The efficacy, as well as any unwanted side effects, is therefore similar to those of the original medication. Their appearance too is generally similar, but may vary at times.

There is often a significant difference in price between generic drugs and the original medications. Why? Because the companies that manufacture them did not invest in the research and development of the original active ingredients. 

To learn more about this topic, talk to your pharmacist!

Answer:

Yes. Normally that is the case, if the generic medication exists, of course. However, the patient makes the final brand choice.  

Certain medications do not yet have a generic equivalent, but, generally, it’s only a question of time. That’s because the company that formulated them still holds exclusive patent rights, but only for a certain period.

Answer:

The expiry date is written on a medication by its manufacturer to guarantee its efficacy and safety.

If you have used an expired medication, talk to your pharmacist. He can tell you about possible consequences and steps to take.

Answer:

The pharmacist collects expired medications to make sure they are safely destroyed. He then hands them over to a specialized company, which disposes of them in a safe, environmentally friendly manner. 

Answer:

Many factors can influence the prescribed dose of a medication. Each person has unique traits that can have an impact on the dose prescribed. Here are a few examples:

If you’re concerned about the dosage of a medication, talk to your pharmacist. He’s there to help and give you the information you need!

Answer:

Make sure your patient file is up to date. For example, let your pharmacist know if you have developed new allergies or are taking new medications. If it’s your first visit to the branch, the pharmacist will ask you a series of questions required to set up your file. The information he gathers will help him to analyze your profile in order to serve and advise you even better. In particular, he will ask you about other prescription or over-the-counter medications, natural products, supplement or minerals you are taking, your medical history, your allergies and lifestyle (tobacco use, alcohol, etc.). He may also ask you questions about other issues related to your treatment.

Answer:

Yes, since smoking can modify the efficacy of certain medications. The dosage can be increased or decreased taking into account this information.

That’s why it’s important to let your pharmacist know if your smoking habits change (if you increase or decrease your intake or if you quit).

Answer:

The pharmacist must analyze your file to ensure that the treatment prescribed is the best for the medical issue being treated. For example, he will check whether you have any allergies to medications and if the efficacy of your medication may be influenced by your lifestyle or by other drugs you are taking. He may also need to contact the prescribing physician to inquire about your treatment. In other cases, he will need to perform calculations to validate the prescribed doses. Even when renewing your prescriptions, the pharmacist must be just as thorough in verifying the medications he is giving you.

Answer:

Some medications are hard on the stomach and taking them with food makes them easier to digest. In addition, other medications are better absorbed by the body when food is present. But be careful about the foods you choose. Some foods, in fact, (grapefruit, for example) hinder the body’s ability to absorb certain medications. 

Other medications must be taken 1 or 2 hours after a meal. That’s because its active ingredients are best absorbed by the body on an empty stomach. This ensures an optimal treatment.

Every case is unique, however. If you have any questions about your medication dosage, ask your pharmacist.

Answer:

It is essential to follow the dosage regimen established by your pharmacist, since some medications are more effective when taken with food and others without. In addition, a medication’s effectiveness can vary based on your sleeping habits, your diet and other drugs you are taking.

Always remember that the pharmacist provides you with a schedule to follow after carefully analyzing your file. His goal is to make sure that your treatment has the best effect possible.

Answer:

You are free to transfer your file from one pharmacy to another, even if it is at a rival banner. It’s entirely up to you.

At your request, your Clinique Santé-affiliated pharmacist will take care of obtaining your file from another establishment.

In fact, it is better to bring all of your prescriptions to the same pharmacist, as this makes it easier to analyze your file. 

If you have any questions about transferring your records, talk to a Clinique Santé pharmacist!