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You and Your Pharmacy

As a critical member of your healthcare team, it is important to understand your pharmacist's role as well as the part you play in getting the best care.

Your Pharmacist

Your pharmacist is a valuable member of your healthcare team. Pharmacists that are registered and licensed with the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba have met standard requirements to ensure they have the knowledge, skill and professional judgment needed to provide you with quality pharmacy care.

Prior to licensing, your pharmacist has completed the following:

  • At least four years of university-level pharmacy education
  • Education and training in all aspects of medication therapy management and the principles of providing quality pharmaceutical care, including patient counselling
  • Acquired the qualifications to counsel patients in either English or French
  • Passed provincial and national examinations demonstrating competence in pharmacy practice and the application of pharmacy laws and standards of practice

Let Your Pharmacist Know

Female pharmacist smiling with teeth and leaning over a counter
When speaking with your pharmacist, it is vital that you inform them about your medical condition and any allergies or sensitivities to medication you may have. Also, report all the prescription and nonprescription medication you take, including vitamins, natural health products, and herbal remedies. This information allows your pharmacist to help you and the other members of your healthcare team make decisions about the best, most appropriate, and safest medication therapy for you.

In Manitoba, pharmacists must provide you with individualized counselling on all of your prescriptions. It is your right to know about and understand your medication.

Learn more about the health-care services provided by your pharmacist.

Questions to Ask Your Pharmacist

When you receive your prescription medication, your pharmacist should provide you with answers to the following questions:

  1. What is the name of the medication?
  2. What does the medication do and why am I taking the medication?
  3. I have allergies. Is it safe for me to take this medication?
  4. How often and when should I take this medication?
  5. How long should I take the medication?
  6. Are there ways to help me remember to take my medication and what should I do if I miss a dose?
  7. What are the possible side effects of the medication and what should I do if a side effect occurs?
  8. Are there any foods, drinks, activities, other drugs, vitamins, natural health products, or herbal remedies that I should avoid while taking this medication?
  9. Can I take this medication if I am pregnant or breast-feeding?
  10. How will I know if this medication is working, when will I feel better and if I feel better, can I stop taking the medication?
  11. Where should I keep my medication and how should I store it?
  12. Can this prescription be refilled?

If after speaking with your pharmacist you have more questions, just ask. Your pharmacist is there to help you understand everything you want to know about your medication.