Download community pharmacy topic discussion resource

COMMUNITY PHARMACY TOPIC DISCUSSION RESOURCE
Evaluations from P4 students have consistently listed as an area of improvement for community rotations
that more downtime projects are needed to supplement student learning and discussion. In response to
this, we surveyed community pharmacy preceptors in order to identify common questions or issues
encountered in community practice. The following findings may be used as a resource to facilitate
discussion focusing on self-care, law, and common pharmacy questions.
Interesting questions that community pharmacists have been asked by customers about self-care
products or devices:
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How do I use an A1c testing kit?
How can I get my blood pressure monitor covered by insurance?
What size compression stockings do I need?
What is the difference between brand and generic products?
How do I choose a blood glucose meter?
How does fenugreek stimulate breast milk production?
Will taking digestive enzymes decrease my body’s ability to create digestive enzymes?
Can you drink Epsom salts for constipation?
What is the best OTC allergy medication?
How do I use a blood pressure cuff?
What can I use to help with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy?
Is there an OTC product to help me conceive?
Can I use homeopathic medications for my baby’s cold?
What form of vitamin D can I use if I am vegetarian? What form can I use if I am vegan?
Challenging questions that community pharmacists have been asked by prescribers or customers:
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Does drug x contain gluten? Can I take drug x if I have Celiac’s disease?
How long do I leave my hearing aids out after I put ear drops in my ear?
How do NSAIDs work?
How do you compound cyclosporine solution for ophthalmic use?
A patient was scheduled for a test measuring nerve conduction and speed and other nerve
abnormalities. Should the patient discontinue gabapentin prior to the test?
What dose of methotrexate injection should be used to treat an ectopic pregnancy?
What is the absorption variation of progesterone capsule used intravaginally versus an intravaginal
compounded product?
What alternative medications can I take since my insurance does not cover the medication
prescribed?
My patient is allergic to nearly all antibiotics. What can I give for x infection and what is the dose?
A patient has a severe allergy to iodine. Can the patient take amiodarone? Why or why not?
Can you give Versed injection solution via nasal administration for seizures?
Questions regarding federal or state law that community pharmacists are commonly asked or
commonly put into practice:
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Can you change a 30 day supply to a 90 day supply if the prescription was written for 30 days?
What information can a pharmacist change on a CII prescription?
How can CII prescriptions legally be received (i.e. electronic prescription, faxed, written, etc.) for
hospice and non-hospice patients?
What are the pseudoephedrine restrictions?
What information is required on controlled substance prescriptions?
Can physicians post-date controlled substance prescriptions?
Can a controlled substance prescription that has never been filled be transferred to another
pharmacy?
Can you discuss my husband/wife’s medications with me?