✔ Backed by: American Pharmacists Association · U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) · Medicare. Each fact links to its source, and the full list is at the bottom of this post.
October is American Pharmacists Month. The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) kicked off the month on October 1 with the theme “Caring for Our Communities” [1]. APhA says more than 700,000 pharmacists and pharmacy professionals care for communities across the country [1]. It is a great time to get to know your pharmacist.
Many people see their pharmacist more often than any other member of their care team. Yet a lot of us only say “thank you” at the counter and leave. That can be a missed chance. APhA notes that pharmacy teams give vaccines, provide preventive care, and help people manage long-term health conditions and understand their medicines [1]. This month is a good time to get more out of your next visit. Here is how.
Why your pharmacist can help you see the whole picture
Medicines are part of daily life for many of us. The FDA, citing CDC data, says almost 70% of people ages 40 to 79 used at least one prescription drug in the past 30 days. About 1 in 5 Americans used at least five [2]. The more medicines you take, the more there is to keep track of.
For example, imagine you see a heart doctor, a primary care doctor, and a foot doctor. Each one has prescribed something. You also take a vitamin and a sleep aid from the store. Each doctor may only know part of the story. A pharmacist can help you look at everything together and spot possible problems, especially when you bring a full list. Medicare drug plans and pharmacists also run routine safety checks before a prescription is filled. These include checking for drug interactions and incorrect doses [4].
Bring an up-to-date medicine list
The FDA suggests keeping a list of every medicine you take. That includes prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. For each one, write down the name, the strength, what you take it for, and when, how, and how much you take. Add your allergies, medical conditions, and emergency contacts, too [2].
Why go to the trouble? The FDA says a list helps your care team know about your current health. It can also help reduce medication errors and harmful drug interactions. In an emergency, it could help paramedics and other first responders make more informed decisions. At a hospital, it can show staff which medicines to continue. A list can also help you speak up for yourself when you are in pain, tired, or more comfortable in a language other than English [2].
Your list can be simple. You can write it on paper, use an app, fill out the FDA’s “My Medicines” form, or ask your health care provider for a template. Review it often, and update it whenever something changes, such as a new prescription, a dose change, or a medicine you stop. Keep a copy with you, such as a photo on your phone or a paper copy stored with your insurance card. Share a copy with someone you trust, like a relative, friend, or caregiver who goes to appointments with you [2].
Tru-Tips: Once a year, put every pill bottle, inhaler, cream, vitamin, and supplement you use into one bag. Bring the bag to the pharmacy and ask if the pharmacist has time to go through it with you. Seeing the actual bottles can catch things a written list misses.
Ask clear questions
The FDA encourages people to ask their doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to tell them the facts about each medicine they take [3]. There is no silly question when it comes to your health. Here are a few good ones to start with [3]:
- What is this medicine for, and how and when should I take it?
- What should I do if I notice side effects?
- Are there other medicines or foods I should avoid with it?
- Is it safe if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
You can also say: “Can you show me how to use this?” That works well for inhalers, eye drops, or anything new. If the pharmacy is busy, you can ask: “Is there a better time for me to call or come back with questions?”
Please do not stop or skip a medicine on your own. The FDA advises talking to your health care provider before you stop taking your medicines. It also says not to share medicines with others. It also says to check expiration dates, because expired medicine may not be safe or work [3].
Ask how to get rid of old medicine
Many homes have a drawer full of old pills. The FDA suggests asking your provider how to dispose of medicine you no longer need [3]. Options may include a community drug take-back program. Another option is sealing the medicine in a bag with something like coffee grounds or kitty litter and putting it in the trash. Some medicines are meant to be flushed, and the FDA website lists which ones. Before you throw out an empty bottle, scratch off your name and personal information. Keep medicines, including used patches, away from children [3]. Your pharmacist can help you sort out which option fits each medicine.
If you have Medicare drug coverage, ask about a medication review
Medicare drug plans must offer Medication Therapy Management to people who meet certain requirements. If you qualify, you can get these services at no cost to you. They usually include a talk with a pharmacist or other health care provider. You may get a full review of your medicines and the reasons you take them. You may also get a written summary, a recommended to-do list, and a medication list [4].
Medicare suggests that people who take drugs for more than one long-term condition contact their drug plan to see if they qualify [4]. You can say: “Do I qualify for Medication Therapy Management, and how do I schedule a review?” And wherever you go, bring your list. Medicare recommends bringing it any time you talk with your doctors, pharmacists, and other health care providers. That includes visits to the hospital or emergency room [4].
Let’s talk about it
What is one way a pharmacist has helped you that surprised you? What question about your medicines do you wish you had asked sooner?
One Tru Step: This week, write down every medicine and supplement you take, then ask your pharmacist to look it over with you on your next visit.
Sources and further reading
- American Pharmacists Association: APhA celebrates American Pharmacists Month
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Create and Keep a Medication List for Your Health
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Use Medicines Wisely
- Medicare.gov: Safety checks, drug management programs, and Medication Therapy Management
Sources checked October 15, 2026. General education; individual care and coverage questions require an appropriate professional.
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