In Ghana, most of us collect medicine from the pharmacy counter and walk away quickly. We read the envelope — “1 morning, 1 evening” — and assume that’s all. But your pharmacist is your most accessible health expert, and a 2-minute conversation can prevent side effects, treatment failure, and dangerous drug interactions.
Studies show that 75% of people don’t take medicines correctly — wrong timing, wrong food combinations, or stopping too early. Your pharmacist at Citi Pharmacy can fix that.
Next time you pick up any prescription or even a common drug like paracetamol, Flagyl, or BP medication, ask these 5 questions:
1. What Is This Medicine For and How Should I Take It Correctly?
This is the foundation. Don’t just ask “how many times?” Ask details.
– What is the name (brand and generic) and strength?
– How many tablets, how many times a day, and for how long? Does “3 times daily” mean every 8 hours even at night?
– Morning or evening? Before, with, or after food? Some medicines like iron or some antibiotics work best on an empty stomach, while painkillers like diclofenac are better with food.
– Can I crush, split, or chew it? Some coated tablets and capsules must be swallowed whole.
– If it’s an antibiotic, must I finish it even if I feel better?
Ghana tip: If you take koko, tea, or heavy banku before your medicine, tell your pharmacist — food can delay or reduce absorption.
2. What Foods, Drinks, Other Medicines, and Activities Should I Avoid?
This prevents dangerous interactions.
– Food & drink: Can I take it with milk, alcohol, or grapefruit? For example, you should avoid alcohol with metronidazole (Flagyl) and some antibiotics — it causes severe nausea and vomiting. Tetracycline should not be taken with milk.
– Other medicines: “I also take herbal bitters, garlic capsules, or pain relievers — is it safe?” Tell your pharmacist ALL medicines, including herbal mixtures, vitamins, and over-the-counter drugs. Taking two painkillers together can harm your kidneys.
– Activities: “Will this make me sleepy or dizzy? Can I drive or operate machinery?” Antihistamines for cold, some BP drugs, and anxiety medicines can cause drowsiness.
3. What Side Effects Should I Expect and What Should I Do If They Happen?
Knowing side effects stops panic and helps you know when to seek help.
– What are common, mild side effects (e.g., mild nausea, headache) that will go away?
– What are serious side effects that need immediate hospital attention (e.g., swelling of face, rash, difficulty breathing, black stool, persistent vomiting)?
– How can I reduce side effects? Should I take with food or drink more water?
– Should I stop the medicine if I get side effects, or talk to you first?
Never stop chronic medicines like hypertension, diabetes, or asthma inhalers on your own because of side effects — speak to your pharmacist first.
4. How Will I Know If It’s Working and Will I Need Any Tests or Follow-Up?
This helps you track progress.
– When should I expect to feel better? For antibiotics, often 2-3 days. For BP and cholesterol drugs, you may not “feel” different but your numbers should improve.
– How do I know it’s working? Less pain, lower BP readings, better sugar levels?
– Do I need lab tests? For example, some cholesterol, diabetes, kidney, and liver medicines need periodic blood tests.
– Do I need a refill? Is this a short course or lifelong? Many Ghanaians stop BP medicine after one month — this is very risky.
5. How Should I Store It and What If I Miss a Dose?
Storage is critical in Ghana’s heat.
– Does it need refrigeration? Insulin, some eye drops, some reconstituted antibiotics, and some probiotics do. Most tablets do NOT go in the fridge — store in a cool, dry place below 25-30°C, away from humidity and direct sun. The bathroom and your car are the worst places.
– Does it need child-proofing? Keep out of sight and reach of children.
– What if I miss a dose? Should I take it when I remember, double next dose, or skip? Doubling can be dangerous for some drugs.
– How do I dispose of expired medicines? Don’t throw into the gutter or toilet. Return them to Citi Pharmacy for safe disposal during our take-back days.
Bonus: Always ask for written information in simple language and an up-to-date list of all your medicines.
Why Ask Citi Pharmacy?
At Citi Pharmacy, our pharmacists do more than dispense. We counsel on how to take your medicines safely, check interactions with your current herbal medicines and supplements, demonstrate inhaler techniques, and provide dosage charts for children. No question is too small.
FAQs
1. Is it okay to ask my pharmacist questions if the doctor already explained?
Yes, absolutely. Doctors often have limited time. Pharmacists are drug experts — they will double-check dosage, timing with food, interactions with other drugs and herbal medicines you take, and how to store it in Ghana’s heat. It is your right to ask.
2. What should I always tell my pharmacist before taking a new medicine?
Tell them all prescription medicines, over-the-counter painkillers, herbal bitters, vitamins, and supplements you take, plus any allergies, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and if you have liver, kidney, hypertension, or diabetes conditions.
3. Can I ask for a cheaper generic option at Citi Pharmacy?
Yes. Ask: “Is there a generic or NHIS-covered equivalent that works the same?” Your pharmacist can explain the difference between brand and generic and help you choose a quality, affordable option. Always confirm if a refill has a different look or strength than your last one.
4. What if I forget to take my medicine?
Don’t double up automatically. Ask your pharmacist about this specific drug. For most twice-daily drugs, if you remember within 4-6 hours, take it. If close to next dose, skip and continue. For some medicines like oral contraceptives and epilepsy drugs, rules are stricter — get pharmacist advice immediately.
Got a new prescription? Don’t guess. Visit any Citi Pharmacy branch or chat with our pharmacist online now — we will explain your medicines in simple language and give you a written dosage guide for free.
References:
1. UConn Health / Adult Meducation — Questions to Ask Your Pharmacist About Your Medicines: What is the name, what is it supposed to do, what foods/drinks to avoid, side effects
2. UC Davis Health Department of Pharmacy Services — Questions to Ask if a Health-Care Provider Writes You a Prescription
3. Health Quality & Safety Commission — 5 Questions to Ask About Your Medications (Changes, Continue, Proper Use, Monitor, Follow-up)
4. WebMD — New Prescription: What to Ask Your Doctor and Pharmacist
5. Pharmasave / Rexall — Talking with your pharmacist: How to know if medication is working, storage, missed dose, pregnancy safety
