This information is intended to supplement the information you obtain from your pharmacist and to allow you to have informed discussions with him/her. Together, we can work to make sure you are getting the best patient care!

If, as you browse these FAQs, you don't see your question, please let us know.

1. Can I take herbal products along with my medication?
2. If someone else I know has the same illness, can I share my medication with that person?
3. Should I keep a record of the medications that I am taking?
4. Are there questions I should always ask my pharmacist about my prescription medication, no matter what?
5. Are there questions I can and should ask my pharmacist when I'm selecting over-the-counter medication?
6. What are some items that I should have in my medicine cabinet?
7. How do I store my medicines safely?
8. How often should I clean up my medicine cabinet?
9. How do I get rid of my medications safely?
10. How will a pharmacist know what nonprescription medication is right for me?
11. How do I ensure that nonprescription medications are taken safely?
12. How should medication for children be taken?
13. Can my child take someone else's medication?
14. Some medicines look and taste like candy. Does that mean I can take more of that medicine?
15. Can Americans have their prescriptions filled by Canadian pharmacists?
16. What is CPhA's position on Internet pharmacy?

Your Medicine... Be a Wise Consumer

1. Can I take herbal products along with my medication?

Ask your pharmacist about taking nonprescription, vitamins or herbal products with your prescription medication. Some nonprescription and herbal products can interact with prescription medication—or with each other—changing how they work in your body.

2. If someone else I know has the same illness, can I share my medication with that person?

No, medication should never be shared. A prescription that is right for you may not be right for another person. He/she may have an allergy or some other condition, or be taking another medication that would make your prescription inappropriate or even dangerous.

3. Should I keep a record of the medications that I am taking?

It's a good idea to keep a written record of all medications you are taking, including nonprescription and herbal products. Bring it with you whenever you go to see your doctor or pharmacist. Better still, carry a copy of it with you at all times, in case of emergency. Your pharmacist will also keep a record of the medicines you take and how you have reacted to them. You can ask your pharmacist for a print out. But remember, you have to tell the pharmacist of all nonprescription or herbal products you take, since he or she will only know for sure about the prescription medications you have filled at the pharmacy.

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Checklist - What Should I Know About My Prescription Medication?

4. Are there questions I should always ask my pharmacist about my prescription medication, no matter what?

Yes. Regular dialogue with your pharmacist is important, even if you are on a medication for a long period of time. Always talk to your pharmacist. The Canadian Pharmacists Association has prepared a list of questions you should ask your pharmacist about your prescription medication. This document is available in Adobe's Portable Document Format (PDF) and can be opened with the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you don't already have this software installed on your computer, you can download it by clicking on the graphic link to the left.

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Checklist - Which Drug Should I Choose for Self-Medication?

5. Are there questions I can and should ask my pharmacist when I'm selecting over-the-counter medication?

Yes. Anytime you are trying to choose medicine, you can ask a pharmacist for help. Your pharmacist can help you choose which over-the-counter medication is suitable for you. As with prescription medications, he or she can explain how to take the medication, for how long, and its possible side effects. You can also discuss whether you should be self-treating at all, or whether you need to see your doctor.

Here are some questions you should ask.

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Your Medicine Cabinet

6. What are some items that I should have in my medicine cabinet?

• Medicine spoon or oral liquid syringe—never use household spoons to measure liquid medicine because they are not accurate enough
• Thermometer
• Pain and fever relievers: acetaminophen, ibuprofen and/or ASA (Asprin)
• Antiseptic for cleaning cuts and scrapes
• Antibiotic ointment
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Rash and itch medication
• Cotton balls and adhesive bandages
• Tweezers and small nail clippers

7. How do I store my medicines safely?

You should keep your medicines in the containers that they come in. The kitchen or bathroom cabinets are not good places to keep medications because of the heat and humidity. Always keep medicine out of a child's or pet's reach. Refrigerate medication only if says to on the label.

8. How often should I clean out my medicine cabinet?

Clean out your medicine cabinet at least once a year. You should get rid of prescription medications that are old or that you no longer take including cough, cold, pain, first aid or herbal products. If medications have changed appearance or taste, do not take them.

9. How do I get rid of my medications safely?

You should take all expired or unused medicines (prescription and nonprescription) to your pharmacy for safe disposal. If you don't know if a medicine is good, ask your pharmacist. Medicine should not be flushed down the toilet as it is not environmentally friendly. Don't throw it in the garbage because children or animals may be able to find it.

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Choosing Nonprescription Medication

10. How will a pharmacist know what nonprescription medication is right for me?

Your pharmacist will consider how strong your symptoms are and how long you have had them and if you have used anything else to treat the condition. He or she will also consider if you are taking other medicines and if they would interact with an over-the-counter drug.

11. How do I ensure that nonprescription medications are taken safely?

It's important to let your pharmacist know if you have a condition like diabetes or high blood pressure before you take a nonprescription medication. You should also generally be aware of any foods or alcoholic drinks or other medicines that can interact with nonprescription products. Note that nonprescription medications should only be used for minor illnesses. Talk to your pharmacist to make sure you are self-treating properly.

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Medication Tips for Children

12. How should medication for children be taken?

Medicines for children need to be taken carefully so follow the directions provided by your pharmacist or doctor. Use the proper measure to ensure the dose is right.

13. Can my child take someone else's medication?

Make sure your child never takes someone else's medication. Set a good example by never sharing medications. Teach your child that they should only take medicine that is given by you or another adult that they know well.

14. Some medicines look and taste like candy. Does that mean I can take more of that medicine?

Medicine should never be described as candy. For example, cough drops may look like candy, but they are still medicine, so make sure you and your child use these, and any, medication properly.

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Internet Pharmacies

15. Can Americans have their prescriptions filled by Canadian pharmacists?

Canadian pharmacists can only fill prescriptions that have been written by a health professional licensed to prescribe in Canada. Therefore, prescriptions written by American doctors cannot be filled legally by Canadian pharmacists, unless the US-based physician holds a Canadian licence.

Some online pharmacies may offer to have a Canadian physician co-sign a prescription written by a US physician. This practice is not supported by the pharmacy or medical professions in Canada or the United States, as patient care can be compromised in such situations.

It is extremely important to consistently go to one pharmacy so your pharmacist is aware of all medications you are taking—prescription, over-the-counter and herbal—and your overall health.

16. What is CPhA's position on Internet pharmacy?

CPhA recognizes that online pharmacy services from reputable pharmacies may benefit consumers. We do not support practices whereby a Canadian physician co-signs a prescription written by a physician in another country.

Consumers who choose to order from an Internet pharmacy should ensure that it is a bona fide, fully-licensed facility exercising safe pharmacy practices and that it is in compliance with federal and provincial/state laws and regulations. Check with the pharmacy regulatory authority in your province.

It is not advised to buy medications from unverified websites. Websites can be created to look like legitimate Canadian pharmacies when, in fact, both the sellers and products may be illegitimate. Purchasing a medication from an unknown website can put you at risk—you might receive a contaminated or counterfeit product, the wrong product, an incorrect dose or no product at all.

For more information, visit CPhA's statement on international prescription services and consumer information about looking for health answers online.
For more information, talk to your pharmacist.

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