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How Your Pharmacist Can Help You Manage Your Health

Date: 04/07/25

Your pharmacist is more than just the white coat behind the counter when you pick up prescriptions. They are a valuable resource if you have questions about your medications or your overall health. Here are five ways you can look to them for help.

  1. Identify Side Effects. Knowing what to expect from your medicine is important. Your pharmacist can help you learn early signs of side effects. This is important for a new medication and when adding it to other medicine you take.
  2. Recommend Relief. Ever get to the pharmacy and, with all the options, don’t know what to choose? Your pharmacist can help! Describe your symptoms and let them know any other medications you are taking. They can help pick the best over-the-counter option for your symptoms.
  3. Give Routine Vaccines. Part of staying healthy is prevention. Your pharmacist can explain the benefits and side effects of routine vaccines. Routine vaccines include seasonal flu shots*. At many pharmacies, you do not need an appointment and can get these vaccines to help you fight off illness.
  4. Coordinate Change. Your pharmacist can talk to your provider if you would like to switch or stop one of your medications. They can walk you through the pros and cons of making a change. This will help you understand how it will impact your overall health. Always talk to your provider first before changing any medications.
  5. Determine Diagnosis. Many pharmacies have clinics. The clinics are typically staffed by pharmacists and other health-care professionals. They can diagnose and prescribe medications for ear infections, rashes, and cold and flu symptoms. It’s convenient and easy! Most pharmacies can also check blood pressure and heart rate. Ask them to check if you have concerns.

Need help finding a pharmacist? Use Superior’s Find a Provider tool to search for in-network pharmacies near you.

*Only members 3 years and older can get their flu shot at a pharmacy.