Pharmacists are well-versed in pharmacology, which is the branch of medicine that focuses on the uses and effects of drugs. Pharmacists understand the therapeutic roles of drugs and drug side effects and interactions with other drugs. Your pharmacist can help monitor these factors and which foods and activities can have an effect on your medications. Your pharmacist is a great resource.
Yes, a dosing schedule is important, because every medication that you take has a specific dosing schedule — once a day, three times a day, etc. You should try to take your medication at the same time every day for the most beneficial effect of that medication. And if the medication is discontinued by the doctor, that needs to be noted and followed.
When a person is living at home and needs help taking medications, it is important that there is a family member or friend who sets up the medications. A caregiver from a home care agency cannot legally open medication containers and put medications in cassette dispensers and pillboxes. Family members need to do this.
