Pharmacy information for consumers

Learn about talking with your pharmacist, obtaining counseling, filling prescriptions, medication safety, and more.

Table of Contents

Talking with your pharmacist

You are encouraged to ask questions of all your health care providers, including your pharmacist. Having all the information you need will help you stay informed and healthy.

Before taking any medication

Tell your health care provider and pharmacist about all prescription and nonprescription medicines that you take and why you take them. Be sure to tell them about known allergies to any medications or if you have problems taking any medicine. Also let them know if your are, or could be, pregnant and if you are a smoker.

Getting your prescription filled

When you have a prescription filled for yourself or a family member, ask your pharmacist these questions:

  • What is the name and strength of the medication?
  • How should I use the medication, how often, and what time of day?
  • Will this medication interact with other medications I am using, including nonprescription medications?
  • What are the common side effects that may occur? What do I do in the event that I experience a side effect?
  • What do I do if I miss a dose?
  • How should I store my medications?

It is important that you take medications as prescribed to avoid potentially serious, disabling health complications.

To avoid harmful drug interactions, get all your prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy. Or keep an accurate list of the medications you are taking and review it with your health care providers, including your pharmacists, if they are not familiar with your medical history.

Patient counseling

Pharmacists are medication experts. One of their most important roles is to provide you with information about your medications.

With each new prescription, you will be offered the opportunity to speak with the pharmacist to discuss any questions you may have about the proper use of your medication.

Please visit Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences' Pharmacy Outreach Program to learn about a community service program designed to help you adhere to your medication regimens.

Filling prescriptions

Find a Compounding Pharmacy

Getting your prescription filled online

Before buying medications online, please review these safety tips.

If you would like to fill a prescription online, consider using an Accredited Digital Pharmacy. A list can be found on National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.

Getting your prescription filled abroad

The federal government has created guidelines for travelers purchasing medications abroad. For more information, please go to the FDA Import Program.

Importation of prescriptions

Consumers should also be aware that there are strict regulations governing the importation of drugs. The United States Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. sections 331(d), and 355(a)), which is administered by FDA, prohibits the interstate shipment (which includes importation) of unapproved new drugs. For more information, please go to the FDA Import Program.

Medication safety tips

What should you look for when receiving a prescription medication?
  • Always accept the offer to speak to a pharmacist on each new prescription. Pharmacists are required to provide counseling upon request by the patient and are required to make an offer to counsel on each new prescription.
  • Read the label on each prescription you have filled to make sure it has your name on it and that it is the correct medication you need. Ask if you do not recognize the name of the medication.
  • Ask if the medication in the bottle looks different from what you usually receive.
  • Be sure you know the purpose and dose of your medication. Know how often you should be taking it and whether you should take it with or without food.
  • Ask if there are any side effects, or whether you should avoid any activities, foods or other medications (like supplements or over the counter remedies)
  • Ask what you should do if you miss a dose. It is often dangerous to double up on doses. Pill reminders are often helpful.
  • Try to get all your medications at the same pharmacy. This allows the pharmacist to cross-check your records for medication interactions.
  • Tell your pharmacist what other medications you are taking, including herbal remedies.
What should you do if you think there has been an error in your medication?
  • Never take any medication if you suspect an error has been made
  • Immediately contact the pharmacy and ask to speak to the pharmacist. Alert them that you believe there may be an error with your medication.
  • After speaking with the pharmacist, if you believe a mistake has taken place, call your physician right away

Please visit our Complaint Resolution page where you can download a Complaint Form. You can also contact the Board of Registration in Pharmacy's Complaint Department at (617) 973-0865 for help in filing a complaint. The Board usually requires the patient's signature to authorize release of their pharmacy medication records.

Health Care Resources

Information regarding health care coverage can be found on this Health & Social Services website.

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