Pharmacist's interview

[Claudine]

On collecting my prescription for Azithromycin yesterday from Boots, I was asked if I had time for a quick word with the pharmacist. Turns out it's because of the above antibiotic and possible resistance. I explained that it was prescribed by my Consultant year-round and I have proved I need it because of colonised pseudomonas resulting from my Bronchiectasis. I also know if there's a problem in the future, I can have IV antibiotics which have worked very well in the past. She also asked about supplements and I said I take turmeric, vitamin D, selenium, glucosamine sulphate and magnesium. She approved and was happy with my replies. Never had this before - is it something new?

[O2Trees]

I think that's great Claudine - it's a medicines use review which pharmacists regularly offer.

Also pharmacists are being encouraged by the dept of health to be more proactive - and us to use their expertise more - and this kind of check is important. (Just so long as they are not being used to cut down on GP services.)

[Claudine in reply to O2Trees]

Must admit my GP wasn't keen on me taking them year-round but I think I'm fairly good at managing it but it is exhausting. Last infection in June was after a flight back from Scotland (thank goodness it wasn't on arrival!). I'm pretty strict about winter events, won't take a bus or train, won't go to cinema or theatre etc. etc. Even my family are lepers if they get colds - can't take the risk. It can be restricting but I make up for it in the Spring and Summer!

[stone-UK]

Hi

I have a annual review with my pharmacy.

You can check inhaler techniques.

Plus general chat they are quite informative.

[Claudine in reply to stone-UK]

Yes, it's probably easier to see them re a query than the doctor. That has become pretty hopeless lately.

[pergola]

Interesting. I am also on Azithromycin which I have been on for a few years. Wondering if its effect has worn off because I now get mild chest infections .

[BillBruce]

I take quite a cocktail of tablets and welcome any advice from a pharmacist.

In recent years several over the counter medicines have been discovered to conflict with some prescribed drugs and I suspect pharmacists are more up to date on this subject than G.Ps

Bill

[clematis5932]

I also have a regular consultation with our chemist who goes thru medication with me, she spends a lot of time doing this, I find it very helpful.

[swimmer]

Hi Claudine

I took Azithromycin for a week or two about a year, or more, ago. Low dose daily. However, I stopped in the second week as it was causing me a lot of wind, which was accompanied by lose stools, that were soiling my underwear - horrid. I just felt I couldn't tolerate wearing a thick pad and having to change it regularly and clean myself two or three times a day - sometimes more... So I just stopped. I now only take antibiotics if I definitely need them. When I have finished a course, I ensure that I take a high dose (4 billion live bacteria per capsule, minimum) of probiotics to re-populate my gut with the good bacteria that the antibiotics have destroyed. Hope that helps.

Best wishes always

swimmer

[Claudine]

I completely forgot that I take 3billion dose of Acidophilus every day (I keep it in my cereal packet!). I don't seem to have quite such a dramatic reaction as you but I put my slightly dodgy bloated gut down to usual digestion problems with Bronchiectasis, I must admit. Perhaps I ought to query that sometime. I would dearly love to put on weight as my BMI is apparently 18.5 and I certainly can't tolerate large meals. Interesting to swap this info isn't it? I do have an emergency pack of Ciprofloxacin for flare-ups but that really does make me feel under the weather. Thanks for the info.

[Patk1 in reply to Claudine]

I take azithromycin 250mg x2 ea day,to help with bronchiectasis too.it did help..but not this year.its been continuous flare ups and symptoms of infection.its tough.like you,i try to avoid colds etc.ive just had my flu jab yesterday.hope u get yrs early x

[peege]

If you ever get a glimpse of your prescription there's usually a review date on the bottom. P

[AngieB72]

My gp does regular medication reviews and my pharmacist has being doing these interviews for quite a few years now. But as my medical needs are so complicated I often am the one doing the informing!!!!

[Claudine]

I can believe that! My GP doesn't seem to get involved in such things - it all seems to be left to a nurse. I know there are different grades of nurse these days but I still don't feel it's the same. She still puts that COPD label on me which is quite common in GP surgeries and I object to that.

[chubby2x22]

I think azithromycin must be in short supply. For the past two months boots have been unable to fulfill my prescription which is upsetting as I think they have improved my emphysema and bronchestasis symptoms. Managed to get them at other chemists but bit worried about next time. Maybe it's just Lincolnshire I was told last week that we do not have a pulmonary consultant now as he has moved on so my delayed appointment will be with a team member. I was referred last June for rehabilitation and still waiting. Thank goodness for breathing exercises on you tube. Have a good weekend.

[Claudine]

That's interesting because I am only ever given one month's supply at a time. Last month it was from a different supplier whose blister packs contained only four, instead of the previous six. The pharmacist did not notice this and I had to return for another box to have enough for a month. (3x a week) This month it was back to normal supplier. It seems they are always hunting for cheaper suppliers but it can be confusing for the patient I'm sure. Have a good weekend yourself before winter returns next week I gather!