CVS/pharmacy Encourages Consumers to Consult With Pharmacists

WOONSOCKET, R.I., June 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly half of Americans take at least one prescription drug per month(1), according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, yet many do not take advantage of the one healthcare professional who can be the most helpful when it comes to their medications: their pharmacist.

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CVS/pharmacy is reminding consumers about the importance of pharmacist consultations and the critical role pharmacists play in managing ongoing medications for chronic illnesses, especially when starting a new medication. In its most recent initiative, CARE 1on1™, CVS/pharmacy offers patients dedicated one-on-one time with a pharmacist to discuss savings, safety and side effects when their prescription is transferred or filled for the first time.

Up to 50 percent of chronically ill people stop taking their medication within the first year. Pharmacists understand many of the contributing factors, which range from cost and side effects to the inherent challenges of taking multiple medications, and can help address them.  In fact, CVS Caremark research shows a pharmacist in a face-to-face setting is the most effective healthcare professional at encouraging patients to take medications as prescribed.    

"Patients with chronic health issues like asthma, or chronic diseases like diabetes, often take more than one medication – each with its own set of directions and possible side effects," says Papatya Tankut, R.Ph., Vice President of Pharmacy Professional Services at CVS Caremark.  "Our pharmacists are here to help patients get the most out of their medications once they leave the doctor's office. Taking the time to speak to a pharmacist about your prescriptions can make a difference in the overall improvement of your health, particularly for those who are starting a new prescription."

When patients spend dedicated time with a CVS pharmacist through CARE 1on1™, they will receive a personal review of their new ongoing medication filled at CVS/pharmacy and discuss ways to manage side effects, save money and stick to a medication routine.  

CVS/pharmacy offers the following tips for new prescriptions:

1. Plan your medication schedule: If you are taking more than one medication, ask the pharmacist which ones can be taken together or need to be taken separately.
2. Make medications part of your daily routine: Take your medications at the same time you do something else every day.
3. Use organization tools: Remind yourself to take your medicine by posting a sticky note, setting a watch or timer, using a pill organizer or creating a check-off chart. Your CVS pharmacist can recommend the right tool for you.
4. Speak with your pharmacist about side effects or a missed dose: Although many medications are well tolerated, you may experience mild side effects when your body adjusts to a new medication. Do not stop taking your medication until you speak with your pharmacist. Call or visit your CVS pharmacist if you miss a dose and are unsure of what to do.

CVS pharmacists are always available for consultations on request, and CVS/pharmacy encourages patients to ask questions.  For more information on CARE 1on1™, visit www.cvs.com or ask a local pharmacist at one of more than 7,200 CVS/pharmacy retail pharmacy locations.

About CVS/pharmacy

CVS/pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS), is America's leading retail pharmacy with more than 7,200 CVS/pharmacy and Longs Drug stores. CVS/pharmacy is committed to improving the lives of those we serve by making innovative and high-quality health and pharmacy services safe, affordable and easy to access, both in its stores and online at CVS.com. General information about CVS/pharmacy and CVS Caremark is available at info.cvscaremark.com.

(1) Gu Q, Dillon CF, Burt VL. Prescription drug use continues to increase: U.S. prescription drug data for 2007-2008. NCHS data brief, no 42. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2010.

SOURCE CVS/pharmacy

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