quick tips for covid19 from someone who works in a pharmacy:
- number one tip: have a question or uncertainty? ask a medical professional. don't rely on everything you see on the internet without doing your own research. you'd be surprised how many things sound very legitimate but are actually not completely agreed upon by doctors. no questions are dumb questions when it comes to your health and safety, especially when it comes to something that can easily effect others.
- number two tip: when it comes to your prescriptions, just call ahead of time. this saves you from going out more than you need to, and also gives your pharmacy time to get your prescriptions together. don't be surprised by long wait times. if your pharmacy of choice (or insurance preference) offers delivery or is taking that up as a temporary option from different stores, take that into consideration! do whatever it takes to stay inside.
- (i can't believe i have had to experience this but) pharmacies don't have coronavirus tests. hospitals have them, however from what i've been informed (and what is obvious), supplies are low and hospitals won't test you just because ask. they need reasons to believe they should (you have the known symptoms, you've come into contact with someone who might have it or was tested, etc.)
- there's currently testing going on for hydroxychloroquine (generic name; commonly known for use in cases of malaria, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis) and some other drugs as possible treatments for corona but they're still in the trial phase. many pharmacies are going to be stricter on dispensing these because of such testing. if you use this drug normally, your pharmacist shouldn't have issue with giving you you're prescription. always call ahead if you need it filled, in the event your pharmacy doesn't have enough in stock and needs to work a plan out with you.
- many insurances are allowing overrides for early refills. just call beforehand to give your pharmacist time to get things together/worked out. this can't be applied to all medications, however, but i'm uncertain how that will be in weeks to come. different states may also have different rules, ask your pharmacist.
be safe! be smart! be proactive! but most importantly, please be kind and considerate to everyone!
no subject
- number one tip: have a question or uncertainty? ask a medical professional. don't rely on everything you see on the internet without doing your own research. you'd be surprised how many things sound very legitimate but are actually not completely agreed upon by doctors. no questions are dumb questions when it comes to your health and safety, especially when it comes to something that can easily effect others.
- number two tip: when it comes to your prescriptions, just call ahead of time. this saves you from going out more than you need to, and also gives your pharmacy time to get your prescriptions together. don't be surprised by long wait times. if your pharmacy of choice (or insurance preference) offers delivery or is taking that up as a temporary option from different stores, take that into consideration! do whatever it takes to stay inside.
- (i can't believe i have had to experience this but) pharmacies don't have coronavirus tests. hospitals have them, however from what i've been informed (and what is obvious), supplies are low and hospitals won't test you just because ask. they need reasons to believe they should (you have the known symptoms, you've come into contact with someone who might have it or was tested, etc.)
- there's currently testing going on for hydroxychloroquine (generic name; commonly known for use in cases of malaria, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis) and some other drugs as possible treatments for corona but they're still in the trial phase. many pharmacies are going to be stricter on dispensing these because of such testing. if you use this drug normally, your pharmacist shouldn't have issue with giving you you're prescription. always call ahead if you need it filled, in the event your pharmacy doesn't have enough in stock and needs to work a plan out with you.
- many insurances are allowing overrides for early refills. just call beforehand to give your pharmacist time to get things together/worked out. this can't be applied to all medications, however, but i'm uncertain how that will be in weeks to come. different states may also have different rules, ask your pharmacist.
be safe! be smart! be proactive! but most importantly, please be kind and considerate to everyone!