It is important to remember that, as well as supplying medicines and communicating with doctors, pharmacists can help to organise and manage the multiple medications that may be needed. As well as having broad professional knowledge, pharmacists can access a wide range of medication-related information.
It is often good to ask a pharmacist about any possible side effects for any new medications. If you are receiving any type of medications for your condition, make sure you check with your Oncologist Pharmacist before you take any new medications. Sometimes your cancer medications can interact with other drugs. The pharmacist can often supply information sheets on medications.
A list of questions that you may want to ask the pharmacist can be found here.
Two pharmacists you’re likely to come into contact with
The two pharmacists you’ll most likely come into contact with are the Hospital or Oncology Pharmacist and the Community Pharmacist.
Hospital or Oncology Pharmacists
Hospital or Oncology Pharmacists have many roles in promoting the effective and safe use of medicines, and managing their side effects. Hospital or Oncology Pharmacists assist by:
- Managing, supervising, and preparing medicines for use in the hospital and for when a patient is discharged home;
- Working with the health team in building, refining and adapting medication treatment plans;
- Formal Review of Medications: Visit our page on medication reviews to learn what this means;
- Liaising with the GP or Community Pharmacist where necessary;
- Providing written information sheets for patients/ people about medications and;
- Answering your queries about medication.
Community Pharmacists
Community pharmacists are the ones mainly found at your local pharmacy or chemist. They can dispense (give out) many of the prescriptions written at the hospital. They can continue to provide advice and information about how to use and store medicines. Let your Community Pharmacist know that you are receiving treatment at the hospital. It is important for them to know that you are on other medications. Any medications you get at the hospital can’t be seen them in the Community Pharmacists’ computer system.
Community Pharmacists assist by:
- Helping with medication aids, or repacking to keep medication on schedule – for example using Blister packs and other dose administration aids such as a Dosette box;
- Providing medication information;
- Selling and advising on ‘over the counter’ medications
- Maintaining the PBS Safety Net documentation for a family and;
- Keeping track of patient medications and history of prescriptions. They are frequently asked by hospitals and general practitioners to provide information on what medications a patient has had dispensed.