The many years of training that pharmacists undergo to safely provide you with prescription drugs makes them the undisputed “medication experts.” The pharmacist who helps you at the London Drugs pharmacy must have extensive knowledge of how a drug works, how it may interact with other medications you may be taking (prescription or over-the-counter), and the possible side effects you might experience. He or she will also keep abreast of new drug developments and generic versions of medications.

The London Drugs pharmacist who carefully explains the use of your medication to you, also might contact your doctor periodically to suggest a more appropriate dosage for you, or to apprise the doctor of a new drug that might be better suited to your specific health condition. On the rare occasion that you may run out of a medication that is necessary for the maintenance ofyour health, the pharmacist might dispense the needed drug and then notify your doctor as soon as he or she can be contacted.

Over the months and years, your London Drugs pharmacist may develop a special understanding of your specific health condition and develop a working relationship with your doctor while dispensing and helping you manage your medications. Thisis particularly true of patients requiring drugs for the long term, such as those with a heart condition, diabetes or asthma.

Taking this a step further, many London Drugs pharmacists have undertaken the additional training required to become Certified Diabetes Educators, Certified Insulin Pump Trainers, andCertified Asthma Educators. Many also take an active role incommunity health programs such as diabetes education or smoking cessation.

Expanded role encouraged

In many countries throughout the world, governments are recognizing that the specialized training and abilities of pharmacists needs to be encouraged and expanded. Many patients are taking medications “for life” and having prescriptions renewed by the pharmacist has a number of benefits. Not least is thereduction in the number of times a patient must visit a doctor for prescription renewal. Reducing the number of visits will help trim overall healthcare costs, and assist the patient who finds it difficult to attend these appointments.

In the U.K. and Australia, where governments have already taken action to address delays in access to timely health care, pharmacists are encouraged to undergo the additional training requirements to facilitate the renewal and initial writing of prescriptions for many medications. It is a program that has beenmet with great enthusiasm from patients and pharmacists alike.

“This expanded role makes a lot of sense, since pharmacies already maintain meticulous patient drug histories, and many pharmacists play an ongoing role in the management of the patient’s health condition,” says Rick Siemens, Pharmacy Manager for London Drugs in Lethbridge, Alberta and President of the Alberta College of Pharmacists. In Alberta, legislationsupporting a more active role for pharmacists has been recently passed. “In effect, the legislation solidifies much of the role thatwas already being taken on by many pharmacists,” says Rick, himself a Certified Diabetes Educator and Certified Insulin Pump Trainer. “The successful management of chronic diseases often relies heavily on the relationship and interplay between doctor, pharmacist and patient.”

In Alberta, a pharmacist may now elect to undergo anassessment where he or she must demonstrate to the Alberta College of Pharmacists the ability and competence to recognize specific health conditions and to initiate or renew prescriptions for medications addressing that condition. The February throne speech in British Columbia suggests that similar legislation may follow for B.C. pharmacists in terms of renewing prescriptions.

Patients will, of course, be free to choose which health professional they would prefer to renew their prescription.For example, a patient running out of heart medication—which she has been taking for many years—may choose to visit her neighbourhood London Drugs for speedier service when needing to renew her prescription. Another patient, wanting to confirm with his doctor that his health condition has not progressed to any degree, might want and would be encouraged to visit, his doctor to discuss his concerns while having his prescription renewed.

“It’s a win-win relationship as doctors must spend theirvaluable time outside of patient care, keeping abreast of health developments, research, and new treatment modalities. Knowing that the pharmacist can assist in these ways is a valuable benefit to many busy doctors and their patients,” says Rick.

Pharmacists may now inject

Thanks to legislation expanding the role of pharmacists within the health care system, many London Drugs pharmacists in Alberta can now give injections. This means that, if you purchase an injectable drug such as hepatitis vaccine from the pharmacy, you may also be able to have it injected without having to set up an appointment with your doctor.

Pharmacists who inject vaccines have undergone intensive training and taken a practical exam. Once this has been completed, they are qualified and certified by the Alberta College of Pharmacists to administer both subcutaneous and intramuscularinjections. If you live in Alberta, and wish to availyourself of this service, please call your local London Drugs to be referred to an immunizing pharmacist.