The 10 themes of your neighborhood pharmacy, theme 2: the medication dispenser

This article is part of our series "The 10 Themes of Your Pharmacy Nearby. This installment focuses on the medication dispenser. So you know how to pick up your medication safely and conveniently, even if it's not convenient during the day.

24-7 pick up your medications

Your life doesn't always coincide with business hours. Perhaps you work during the day, care for someone else or prefer to pick up your medications quickly when it suits you. A medication dispenser can then be a practical solution. At our pharmacy, you can also pick up your medication outside opening hours via the automatic medicine dispenser. At the same time, good pharmaceutical care remains important: your own pharmacy knows your situation and can help you personally with your medication. (Apotheek)

What we do for you as a pharmacy

We first make sure your medications are safe for you. That means we check the prescription, look for the right strength and quantity, and make sure your medications go well with other drugs you're taking. Then we let you know when your order is ready and how pickup through the medication dispenser works. We will also assess whether a medication is appropriate to give via the machine, or whether a personal consultation at the counter is more appropriate. Do you have questions about use, side effects or a change in your medication? If so, we are here for you. (Government)

Cooperation with your (family) physician and other care

The advantage of the local pharmacy is the close cooperation with your family physician and other care providers. We know you, your doctor knows you and you know us. That makes for short lines of communication and clarity. You usually request a repeat prescription from your family doctor's office. The family doctor approves it and sends the prescription to the pharmacy. Then we make sure your medication is prepared safely. If something changes in your medication, we can quickly consult with your doctor. This is familiar and gives peace of mind. (Home Doctor)

The medication dispenser is especially useful for repeat medication you already know, such as medication for blood pressure, cholesterol, thyroid, lungs or diabetes. If you are taking a medication for the first time, you usually get a prescription for up to 15 days first. This is to see if the medicine works well and suits you. With a new medication, a different dosage or an extra moment of explanation, picking up at the counter is often more convenient. Also contact us if you have side effects, don't trust the medicine or something has changed in your health. (Government)

Also arrange online

We are the trusted pharmacy in the neighborhood, with the added benefit that you can also arrange a lot online with us. Think about repeating, asking a question via app or message, being notified when your medicines are ready and picking them up via the automatic medicine dispenser. And does picking up your medication not fit because of physical limitations, for example? Then together we will look for another solution, such as delivery if that suits your situation. This way you combine local familiarity with online convenience.

This is theme 2 of our monthly series

Each month we highlight a recognizable theme, such as medication safety, chronic care, elderly care and collaboration with the GP. And so also 'the medicine dispenser'.
This way you will be increasingly aware of what your local pharmacy can do for you.