Heading to the pharmacy for the first time? The first time is usually stressful, you usually have no idea what to expect and how to behave. It is because shopping for medicines is quite different from groceries, clothes, and other necessities of life. Therefore, it is better to take expert advice. Here are a few tips that would help you in making better trips to the pharmacy.
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Take the original prescription, ID card/passport, and cash
- Be patient
Double-check for expiry
- Do not be afraid of asking questions if you have any
- Carry the insurance information to the pharmacy
Take the original prescription, ID card/passport, and cash
While heading to the pharmacy, there are a few things you need to carry along. These things are a Government-issued ID card or passport, an original prescription, and cash. The ID card is required because there are a few medicines that can only be handed over to adults. Therefore, if your prescription includes such medicines, you would be required to show your national identity card. A passport can also be used for this purpose as well, however, an ID card is preferred.
If you head to the north york pharmacy to get medicines related to narcotic pain, having an original doctor-signed prescription is mandatory. Such medicines are not granted on a copy of the prescription, therefore, you need to take the original prescription in such cases. Otherwise, you will be entertained with a copy of the prescription as well.
Having cash is just as important as carrying a prescription and an ID card. Some pharmacies still do not accept credit/debit card payments, therefore, if you carry a credit/debit card to the pharmacy that does accept it, you will be asked to come again with cash.
Be patient
Pharmacies are usually crowded with patients and if you have only one or two big pharmacies in your area, expect to wait for your turn for a few minutes. Therefore, be patient, stand in the queue, and wait for your turn. The pharmacies usually do not hesitate in kicking out impatient customers unentertained.
Double-check for expiry
The pharmacy staff strictly always checks the expiry date of the medicines before handing them over to the customer. However, they are still humans, who can make mistakes. You must check the expiry date of the medicines before leaving the pharmacy.
Do not be afraid of asking questions if you have any
The staff at the pharmacy usually have a know-how of the medicines being sold. They do not mind being asked about them as well. Therefore, if you have any questions regarding the medicine you can ask the staff right away and they would be happy to answer them as well.
Carry the insurance information to the pharmacy
If your medical bill is to be paid by the insurance company, it's mandatory to take the insurance information to the pharmacy as well. The staff would ask for it before handing over the medicines to you.