No.1 reason to always use the same pharmacy

If you are a returning customer, the pharmacy can save you from that dreaded scenario where you have run out of medication and you haven't put your repeat prescription in at the surgery in time. Forgetting your medication can be an inconvenience, or it can lead to a flat panic. If you always use the same pharmacy, help is at hand.

The pharmacy computer will store information about what you are taking, how much, and the dates when they processed a prescription for you. This means that if you run out of medication the staff can see that were due to run out and they will give you enough medication to last you the one or two days you need before the prescription from the surgery gets processed and you can pick up the rest.

This is my experience from using Superdrug pharmacies and after relying upon this system - on numerous occasions - when my partner has run out of pain-relief medication, I have today used the service myself. Consequently, I am feeling very pleased with myself for 'staying loyal'. It really pays off!

More tips to reduce the stress surrounding repeat medication.

To avoid unnecessary visits to the surgery:

• Most surgeries let you renew your prescription on-line via their website or in an email. This is excellent because you get to keep a record, and if you get confused you can check when you last placed a renewal and what it was for.
• Ask your GP surgery to send your repeat prescription directly to a pharmacy of your choice. (The pharmacy sends someone to the surgery every day to pick up them up).
• If your health is preventing you from getting to the surgery/pharmacy you can ask friends and relatives to drop-off and pick-up repeats on your behalf.
• Don't be afraid to telephone the pharmacy in advance to check whether your medication is ready to be picked up!

To find out more information about your medication:

• Don't be afraid to ask your pharmacist. Pharmacists specialise in medication. They know about side-effects, they know how different medications will interact if taken at the same time, and they have to keep up to date. You can have a quiet word over the counter - or you can even telephone from home and ask to speak to the pharmacist who will be able to give you clear, straight-forward information.