<p>Why should I fill my prescription with you rather than mail order?</p><p>At a retail pharmacy your are able to receive a personal touch. When you have a question about your medication, you can ask us right on the spot. We are always available and knowledgeable to help you. In many cases we are the first to get cost-saving generic drugs saving you money, rather than costly brand names through mail order. We offer a personalized service that people know they cannot get from an insurance company. If you go and fill a brand new prescription for a drug you have never taken before, it can be pretty daunting. There is so much information to look through; most of it is very difficult to understand. If I am standing right there at a consultation area, you can go ahead and ask me a question. I can explain to you, in layman's terms some of the most difficult questions you have. I can also ease your tension and nerves about adding a medication to your daily regimen. With mail order, we tend to believe that you receive a pamphlet in mail, but there is nobody to ask questions too. We get many, many mail order customers calling or coming in asking us questions. Either the pill they have looks a little bit different, or they don't understand specific directions on how to take a medication. We are basically the go-betweens for doctors. With mail order, you don't have that luxury or comfort. Sometimes, trying to get a hold of a real person at an insurance company is like waiting on hold with your cable company</p><p>What is the difference between generic and brand-name drugs and how does that difference affect my benefits? A: A generic drug is identical, or bioequivalent, to a brand name drug in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use. Certain inactive ingredients that give the generic product its shape, color or flavor may be different than the brand product. Health professionals and consumers can be assured that FDA approved generic drugs have met the same rigid standards as the innovator drug. Although generic drugs are chemically identical to their branded counterparts, they are typically sold at substantial discounts from the branded price. Where can I dispose of my medications? Proper disposal of medications, whether they are prescription or over-the counter medications, is very important. Never throw away unused medication in the trash, even if it is in a "child-proof" container. Children or pets may find the medication and can get sick. Also, do not flush medications down the toilet. This can help prevent unintended contamination of water. If medications are old, expired, or no longer have use in your household, you can bring them to your local pharmacy for proper disposal and destruction. The pharmacy you choose does not have to be the same pharmacy where the medication was originally bought. Though pharmacies are not legally obligated to accept expired medications from consumers, the majority of pharmacies do accept these medications. Most pharmacies have the means of proper medication disposal and destruction. How will I know if my new prescription is safe to take with my current medications? Our pharmacists use a state-of-the-art drug interaction computer system to identify and review all potential drug interactions. We will notify your physician of any significant interactions. It is important that you tell us about all of the medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements, and herbals. That way we can be sure to identify all potential drug interactions when you receive a new prescription. You will be notified by phone if the process of resolving a drug interaction causes a significant delay in filling your </p><p>What should I do if I have a bad reaction to my medication? If the reaction seems serious or life-threatening — for example, if you have wheezing, tightness in the chest, fever, itching, bad cough, blue skin color, fits, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat — contact your nearest emergency room or call 911. If it seems less threatening, a pharmacist would need to speak to you directly to offer the best course of action and to update your patient profile if necessary to avoid future reactions. Call the number printed on your prescription bottle.</p><p>Why does it take so long to hear back from my doctor regarding refills or medication changes?</p><p>Most doctors require a minimum of 24 to 48 hours for approval of refills or changes. Some require more while others require less. We strive to submit requests and process the responses as quickly as possible.</p><p>Why is my co-pay higher than last time? Co-payment fees are determined by your insurance company. Questions regarding co- payment fees should be directed to your insurance benefit representative.</p><p>If I had filled my prescription at another pharmacy, can I refill it at Clyde’s?Yes. Just ask us and with our free prescription transfer service, we will do all the work. We will contact your previous pharmacy and/or physician and process all of the information required by law to transfer your prescription to Clyde’s.</p><p>What should I do if my medication looks different from last time and there is no note telling me that it has changed? If there was no note with your prescription bottle, check the bottle for a sticker that indicates it is a different brand of the same medicine. If there is no such sticker, call the number printed on your prescription bottle.</p><p>What should I do if I miss a dose of my medication? Take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and return to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose or extra doses. </p><p>How should I store my medications? Most prescriptions should be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from moisture and preferably out of direct sunlight, heat, or both. The medicine cabinet in the bathroom is not the best place for medications. Moisture and temperature may affect the stability of the medication, which means that it may not last as long as it would if stored properly. Some prescriptions should be refrigerated. Ask your pharmacist how best to store your medications.</p><p>Are cc and ml the same amount? Yes, cubic centimeter (cc) and milliliter (ml) are equivalent measurements. For example, 5 cc equals 5 ml.</p><p>What is the metric measurement of a teaspoonful? A tablespoonful? One teaspoonful is equal to 5 ml, and 1 tablespoonful is equal to 15 ml. Remember not to use your own household silverware to measure these quantities. The volumes of household spoons vary widely. Why do I have to take all of my antibiotics if I feel better after a few days? Antibiotics continue getting rid of bacteria that cause infection even after you start feeling better. If you stop taking them too soon (before your pills are gone) the bacteria that are still in your system can change so that they are not vulnerable to the medication anymore. Sometimes these bacteria can multiply and cause your original infection to return. This relapse may have to be treated with a different, more potent antibiotic, since the bacteria may have become resistant to the one you were taking at first.</p><p>Do I need antibiotics when I have a cold? Viruses cause colds and antibiotics are generally not effective against viruses. The best medicine for colds is still rest, plenty of fluids, and, if you need symptom relief, over-the- counter cold products. If you do not feel better within 10 days, please notify your physician's office.</p><p>Why do I have to pay full price for over-the-counter drugs? Over-the-counter drugs are not covered under your drug benefit and therefore not eligible for a copay. </p><p>How important is it to take my medication exactly as prescribed?</p><p>Some medications only work if you take them at certain times of the day or at certain intervals. Some must be taken until they are gone, not just until you feel better.</p><p>What are the side effects of my medication?</p><p>You should always be aware of the side effects your medication may cause. Ask your pharmacist about them so you know what to expect. He or she will also be able to tell you if you can do anything, like take it with food, to avoid those side effects. One question can end up saving you a lot of money. Ask whether there is a less expensive drug, such as a generic version, that you can take instead. If there is, ask the pharmacist if he or she can call your doctor to have the prescription changed to allow the generic or less expensive alternative to be filled.</p>