What happens in the pharmacy?
To ensure that the right person, gets the right drug in the right amount, the pharmacy must go through a number of steps.
The following steps are followed in the pharmacy for this purpose:
1. Processing the prescription
The doctor prescribes a prescription. Usually this prescription is sent directly to the pharmacy via computer. Sometimes you get the prescription yourself and have to take it with you and drop it off at the pharmacy. When the prescription is clear, the pharmacy assistant enters the information into your medication record. When you are going to use the drug for the 1st time, it is important that the prescription is checked extra carefully. The assistant will check your file to make sure you can use the drug safely.
- Do you have any allergies?
- Can you use the drug with other medicines you are taking?
- Is the prescribed dosage and form of administration correct?
2. Additional review
Sometimes an assistant will walk to the back to consult with a pharmacist before further writing the prescription. This may happen, for example, if there are specifics about your health, such as pregnancy or kidney problems. It is also sometimes necessary to adjust a dosage, for example with younger children.
3. Consult with your (family) doctor
Sometimes the pharmacist or assistant will contact the doctor who prescribed the prescription. For example, to discuss an alternative if the drug does not suit you or if the drug is not available.
4. Medication preparation
Many drugs are in stock at the pharmacy. If not, they are ordered for you and sometimes they are prepared especially for you at a compounding pharmacy.
5. Labels and information
If the drugs are properly entered in your file, the drugs are taken. The boxes are scanned one by one to verify that the correct drugs are taken. All boxes are labeled.
The label contains your name and date of birth. It also states how to use the drug and sometimes a warning such as "may affect reaction time" or "do not take with milk."
Additional information is also printed if needed.
.6. Checking by a 2nd assistant
In some cases, a 2nd assistant comes to check if all the data has been processed correctly and if the prepared remedy is correct.
7. Explanation
The assistant will tell you about how the drug works, any important side effects and how to use it.
8. Questions and service
Do you still have questions? The assistant will provide additional information and explain the service: the pickup kuis, the repeat service, the MGn app or the pharmacy's delivery service.
9. Final check
The pharmacist checks all prescriptions processed on the business day.
10. Repeat
Is it a drug that you need to use for longer? Some drugs you use on an ongoing basis and can be repeated if the doctor agrees. Ordering repeats is easily done me the MGn app or by mail.
Questions?
Often most questions about your drug don't come until you start using it. Even then, the pharmacy team is happy to help with tips and advice. Feel free to ask all your questions about the drug and how to take it. But also discuss it especially if you have trouble with something or if you think you are suffering from side effects!