According to a press release submitted by the hospital, the pharmacists do more than fill prescriptions.

Pharmacists are experts on the thousands of medications available today, how each one works in the body and the ways to use each one safely and effectively. Pharmacists advise doctors and nurses on the best medications to treat a condition. They monitor every patient’s medication therapy and provide quality checks to detect and prevent harmful drug interactions, reactions, or mistakes.

Safe medication tips if staying at a hospital

— Bring a list of the prescribed medications, over-the-counter medications, home remedies, and nutritional supplements that patient is taking and show it to the health professional managing care.

— Bring a list of medications that patient cannot take (due to allergic reactions, etc). Give the reasons why, and show it to the health professional managing care.

— When admitted, ask how to contact the on-site pharmacist.

— Ask the names of the medications that patient is receiving during hospital visit.

— Request any written information that is available about the medications.

— Question anything about the medications that is not understandable or that doesn’t seem right.

— Ask the hospital pharmacist for information if patient has questions about the treatments or medications.

— If a patient is too ill to follow these suggestions, ask a family member or friend to help.

— Eagle staff