Pharmacists

Who they are

Pharmacists are trained experts working in high street pharmacies and hospitals, who issue medicines prescribed by doctors. High street pharmacists dispense over-the-counter (OTC) medicines without prescription, and also give a wide range of information about all types of illnesses and medications.

What they do

When you're under the weather, a visit to the pharmacist is a good place to start. You don't need an appointment, so it's quicker than seeing your GP.

Your pharmacist should be able to advise you on which medicine to take and whether it's necessary to see your GP. The assistants in a pharmacy are trained to help too, so don't feel it's only the pharmacist you can approach.

If you want to talk to your pharmacist about a sensitive or embarrassing problem, they should havemost have an area where you can talk in private. Just ask to have a 'quiet word'. Alternatively, you may be able to phone ahead to schedule a time for a chat.

How can they help?

Here are some of the common minor ailments a pharmacist can help you with:

• Infections - coughs, colds, flu, sore throats
• Skin - dandruff, spots, minor infections, verrucas, corns, athlete's foot, eczema
• Stomach - diarrhoea, nausea, constipation, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome
• Injuries - minor cuts and bruises, strains and sprains
• Allergies - hay fever, rhinitis, dermatitis
• Pain - headache, toothache, muscle pains
• Children - teething, colic, head lice, nappy rash
• Women - period pains, premenstrual symptoms, cystitis, thrush, emergency contraception

Pharmacists can also provide an in-depth review of your medication to ensure you're taking the correct dose, there are no interactions with our medicine you may be taking and that you're receiving the best treatment. Some pharmacists also run clinics for people with long-term conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

To get the best from your pharmacist, be ready to tell them the following:

• Your symptoms and how long you've had them
• Whether you're pregnant or breastfeeding
• Any medication/treatment you've already tried or are currently taking
• If you're allergic to anything

Over recent years pharmacists have been given the opportunity to extend their role and responsibilities. They may be able to prescribe certain medicines through a ‘Patient group directive’ as long as you fullfill certain criteria. Those qualified as a pharmacist independent prescriber are able to prescribe any licensed medicine for any medical condition – except controlled drugs - within their competence.

They can also advise on whether it's safe for two types of medicine can be taken together, as they will have a record of all the medicines they've issued to you. Plus, they can offer repeat prescriptions for up to a year without you having to see your doctor

Other services

Pharmacists can help you with any medication queries. For example, if you have difficulty removing caps and lids, your pharmacist can provide easy-to-open containers. They can also give out 'dosette' boxes if you need to take different medicines at various times of the day.

Some pharmacists also provide home delivery services for those who find it hard to get out of their houses and will dispose of any unwanted or out-of-date medicines you may have. Some advise about and sell alternative therapies such as herbal remedies.

Health checks

Your pharmacist may provide health checks for the following conditions:

• Blood pressure
• Asthma (use of inhaler, peak-flow measurement)
• Diabetes
• Cholesterol
• Pregnancy
• Emergency contraception