Commonly Asked Questions

A: Our pharmacist:

• makes sure the drug prescribed for you is the best for your condition
• checks that the dose prescribed is safe for you
• confirms that the new medication is safe for you to take along with other medications you are taking
• fills your prescription
• gives you information on the prescribed drugs
• may give vaccinations
• helps you understand more about your drug treatment

A: Pharmacy compounding is a practice in which a licensed pharmacist combines, mixes, or alters ingredients of a drug in response to a prescription to create a medication tailored to the medical needs of an individual patient.

A:

• Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap for ten seconds. Use antibacterial alcohol-based foam and gels when you don’t have access to soap and water.
• Disinfect your home regularly.
• Get a flu vaccination if you are in high-risk population
• Eat a well-balanced diet
• Get plenty of rest

A: CDC recommends that people get vaccinated against influenza as soon as 2012-2013, flu season vaccine becomes available in their community. Influenza seasons are unpredictable and can begin as early as October.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu.

Flu vaccine is produced by private manufacturers, so availability depends on when production is completed. If everything goes as indicated by manufacturers, shipments are likely to begin in August and continue throughout September and October until all vaccine is distributed.

Healthcare providers are encouraged to begin vaccinating their patients as soon as flu vaccine is available in their areas, even as early as August.

A: A flu vaccine is needed every year because flu viruses are constantly changing. It’s not unusual for new flu viruses to appear each year. The flu vaccine is formulated each year to keep up with the flu viruses as they change.

Also, multiple studies conducted over different seasons and across vaccine types and influenza virus subtypes have shown that the body’s immunity to influenza viruses (acquired either through natural infection or vaccination) declines over time.

Getting vaccinated each year provides the best protection against influenza throughout flu season.

A: Flu viruses are constantly changing so it’s not unusual for new flu viruses to appear each year.

A: Flu seasons are unpredictable in a number of ways. Although epidemics of flu happen every year, the timing, severity, and length of the epidemic depends on many factors, including what influenza viruses are spreading, whether they match the viruses in the vaccine, and how many people get the vaccine.

A: Consult your physician if you exhibit a combination of symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore Throat
• Runny or Clogged Nose
• Muscle or Body pains
• Headaches
• Fatigue

A: No. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against 2009 H1N1 and two other influenza viruses.

A: Yes! Influenza viruses are constantly changing so antibody made against one strain will become less effective against new strains as flu strains evolve over time. Also, the safest and most effective way to fight against flu is to get vaccinated every year.

A: Yes! Your healthcare provider can prescribe antiviral drugs that protect your body from flu. Antiviral drugs are a second line of defense against the flu once you already have contracted the illness. There are currently two medications available: oseltamivir and zanamivir – they are primarily used to treat very ill people who contract the flu or in danger of serious complications resulting from the flu virus. Treatment plans vary but in most cases it is best to the medication within two days of contracting the illness for a period of five days.

A: Depending on the type of the antiviral prescribed side effect vary but most common are stomach upset and diarrhea. Our pharmacist will review side effects with you if you are prescribed these medications.

A: Currently, there are no over-the-counter medications that should be avoided when taking prescribed flu medications but always check with your doctor and your pharmacist regarding your particular health situation when combining medications.

A; Yes. If you receive your specialty pharmacy medication as part of your treatment at your prescriber’s office, or at a treatment center:

• Call your prescriber and ask that your medication prescription be sent to E & M Pharmacy
• We will call you to obtain information about your health and explain our services
• We will send educational information to you about your medication
• We will deliver your medication to your prescriber’s office in time for your treatment

A: Yes! If your specialty pharmacy medication is administered at home by you, a caretaker or nurse:

• Call your prescriber and ask that your prescription may be sent to E & M Pharmacy
• We will obtain information about your health and explain our services
• We will send educational information to you about your medication
• We will deliver your medication to your location of choice – your home, workplace or other destination.

If you are currently receiving your medication from another pharmacy, we can make arrangements and transfer your medication to us.

A: You simply need to provide us with information about your condition and therapy. It’s that easy! Our experienced team of pharmacists will work closely with you throughout the treatment.

A: No. Our support services do not replace the medical care you receive from your prescriber. We are an extension of your medical team, so we work closely with your prescriber to help ensure you get the best results from your prescribed medication.

Of course! In accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), we ensure you that we will handle your medication information with your privacy and confidentiality always in mind.