You may think your pharmacist only has one job: to order and refill prescriptions sent in by your doctor. While that is partially true, your pharmacist is also an extremely knowledgeable resource when it comes to any questions you may have about your medicine.

Pharmacists are required to earn a four-year, post-graduate doctor of pharmacy degree, making them more than qualified to advise you on any medications you might be taking, whether it has to do with the frequency, dose, or duration of the drug you've been prescribed.

With the help of our friends from Juro's Pharmacy Health & Wellness, we've compiled this list of 5 important things your pharmacist wants you to know the next time you go to pick up your prescription.

Are you taking any other meds?

If you're taking any over-the-counter medications, it might be a good idea to clear them with your doctor first before you begin taking your prescription. OTC meds may contain active ingredients that can cause unwanted side effects when taken with the pills you've been prescribed.

Are you familiar with your insurance coverage?

Believe it or not, most people don't actually know what their health insurance covers, so log onto your provider's website and review your plan to familiarize yourself with what's covered and what isn't before heading to your doctor or the pharmacy.

Are you taking your meds with a full glass of water?

Taking your medicine with a glass of water is important as it will help the pill travel all the way down to your stomach where it can be fully absorbed and begin to do its job. You don't want the pill getting stuck on its way down, so make sure you drink the entire glass to make sure it gets where it needs to go.

Are you rationing pills?

If you're tight on money, rationing pills might seem like a good way to stay within budget because you're allowing for as much time as possible to go by in between refills. However, rationing pills can be a potentially dangerous thing to do depending on the type of medication you're taking and you should always check with your pharmacist before doing so.

Are you checking the expiration date?

While many medications don't expire for a long time, it never hurts to check the expiration date and make sure whatever it is you're taking hasn't perished. Taking an expired medication isn't necessarily harmful, but it won't be as effective as it was before its expiration date.

Now that you know these 5 important things that your pharmacist wants you to know, consider making Juro's Pharmacy Health & Wellness your new pharmacy. They've been helping to keep Montana residents in great health for over 60 years and they're ready to begin serving you too!

Located at 2043 Grand Avenue in Billings, you can learn more about Juro's Pharmacy Health & Wellness by visiting them online at JurosPharamacy.com or by giving them a call at 406-869-0123.

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