Why It Is Important To Know Your Pharmacist

By Jimmy Manna, RPh

My Dr's Pharmacy

. https://www.mydrspharmacy.com/

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Why It Is Important To Know Your Pharmacist

It is estimated that 98,000 people die each year from hospital-related medication errors and other medical errors, at a cost of $17 to $29 billion. Studies found the number of preventable medication errors is rising, despite the many measures taken to prevent them. Most medication errors occur when patients don’t take their medications correctly. 

Especially among the elderly, drivers for lack of adherence to prescribed treatment regimens include the following:

• Adverse effects of prescribed medications

• Lack of knowledge about the medications  

• Cognitive impairments

• Complex drug regimens and/or multiple dosing

Your community pharmacist is your first line of defense against medication errors. Pharmacists can help educate you about your medications and in some cases they might offer services that can remove the confusion around your treatment plans.  Unfortunately using mail order pharmacies or retail pharmacies that are always busy and where it is difficult to talk to the pharmacists may prove to be risky for your health.

New Technologies to Minimize Medication Errors

Fortunately, some pharmacies now utilize new technologies and methods to help you reduce the risk of medication errors. pillSETS^® is a great example of this, and it’s a local service to Northern Virginia.

With pillSETS, your medications arrive at your door every month, pre-sorted in sealed and labeled dose pouches. The pouches contain only the pills you need at a given time, and are custom-printed with your name, day and time of dose, medication names, strengths and descriptions.

Maintain Your Independence, Minimize Errors

Seniors especially can be at an increased risk for medication errors. Having to manage one or more medical conditions and multiple medications greatly increases the risk of injury from medication errors. pillSETS takes all of the confusion out of any treatment plan, no matter how complicated.

It provides a quick, easy way for patients and caregivers to verify that the last dose was taken, minimizing potential errors. Making it easier for caregivers to administer, and easier for anyone to adhere to complex regimens – both of which are essential to extending independence and health.

How Much Does It Cost?

One of the best things about this service is that the packaging and delivery are free. Patients pay the same medication co-pay they normally pay at a regular retail pharmacy. To sum things up, here are the benefits that pillSETS offers:

• Convenient medication organization/packaging, customized to your needs

• Less confusion due to complex regimens

• Less anxiety about remembering dosing times

• Zero risk of unintended under/over-dosing