Visiting a pharmacist

Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who are trained to prepare and dispense medicines and to give people advice about medicines. They are based in the community – local pharmacies – and in hospitals. As well as dispensing prescriptions issued by doctors, pharmacists can advise people on over-the-counter treatments for a variety of ailments, including pain. 

Pharmacy assistants work under the supervision of registered pharmacists to assist with enquiries about medications.

When should I visit a pharmacist rather than a doctor?

You do not need an appointment to see a pharmacist, so they can be a useful first point of contact, particularly if you:

• need advice on which over-the-counter medications to take
• are unsure about how to take your prescription or non-prescription medications
• do not know if your medicines are working properly
• are worried about any side effects

Remember that, unlike doctors, pharmacists will not have details of your medical history, so it is important to keep an up-to-date list of the medications you are taking to show your pharmacist. For this reason, it might be a good idea to visit the same pharmacy where possible.

A pharmacist can help you decide whether or not you need to see a doctor or other health professional.