At the pharmacist Dr Rob Hicks We've all been to our pharmacist to get a prescription, but these days pharmacists provide much more, including health checks and advice.

In this article

Who they are What they do

Other services Health checks

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.

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, most 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

Pharmacists can also provide an in-depth review of your medication to ensure you're taking the correct dose and 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. 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

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.

Your pharmacist may provide health checks for the following conditions:

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

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in February 2007.