APhA encourages seniors to talk to pharmacists

WASHINGTON — The American Pharmacists Association is marking Older Americans Month by urging seniors to increase their knowledge about medications and wellness by talking to their pharmacists, the group said Monday.

The APhA said that as the most accessible healthcare providers and medication experts, pharmacists are ready to discuss issues that arise due to medications and age. This include helping seniors understand their medications and how to take them properly, the differences between branded and generic drugs, over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements and what kinds of side effects they might have, reading labels and dosing information and other topics.

The group also encourages consumers to fill their prescriptions at one pharmacy and get to know their pharmacist on a first-name basis.