What Is Pharmacy?
Pharmacy is the science and practice of discovering, producing, preparing, dispensing, reviewing, and monitoring medications, aiming to ensure the safe and effective use of medicines. It is a diverse science that links health sciences with pharmaceutical sciences and natural sciences. It also encompasses pharmacy education and professional advocacy. The model aims to reduce the ambiguity that is often associated with the labeling of the discipline, and it is expected to provide a platform for dialogue in moving toward consistency and rationalization of terminology in the pharmacy sector locally, nationally and internationally.
Historically, the professions of pharmacy and medicine were distinct. Physicians performed the diagnosis of illnesses and prescribed treatment, while pharmacists formulated, prepared and dispensed medicines. This arrangement was encouraged by ancient Greek and Roman medicine, as well as the medieval world, and Benjamin Franklin, the founder of America’s first pharmacy, took a strong stand in keeping physicians and pharmacists separate.
Today, the responsibilities of pharmacists are broad and varied. They collect and review patient histories and drug use data. They help patients select over-the-counter and herbal products, and they educate people on the proper use of these medicines. Pharmacists also perform compounding, a process of creating custom drugs. For example, if a manufacturer only provides a medication in tablet form, a compounding pharmacist could prepare it as a medicated lollipop for a patient who cannot swallow tablets.
The most important task of any pharmacist is to protect patient safety. This involves ensuring that the drugs are properly labeled, and that the dosages and frequency of administration are correct for each patient. They must also identify potential contraindications, which are situations in which a drug should not be used because it would harm the patient. For instance, a person with a bleeding disorder should not take aspirin because it could lead to excess blood loss. Finally, pharmacies must comply with all relevant state and federal laws and regulations.
In addition to their clinical and administrative duties, pharmacists provide counseling services to patients and medical staff. They advise them on the use of medications and recommend appropriate lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation programs or weight loss plans. They also educate patients on drug interaction warnings and side effects. Moreover, they offer medication adherence programs, such as the Million Hearts Initiative, which encourages patients to regularly monitor and record their blood pressure readings.
In order to become a pharmacist, you must complete a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy science and pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). Most states also require a background check and fingerprinting. Once you have received your license, you may work at a hospital, private pharmacy or health clinic. You may also choose to open your own independent pharmacy. In addition to selling prescription drugs, some independent pharmacists also offer immunizations and healthcare consulting services. Some offer online consultations through webcam or telephone. They are also known as virtual or mail-order pharmacies.
Pharmacy is the science and practice of discovering, producing, preparing, dispensing, reviewing, and monitoring medications, aiming to ensure the safe and effective use of medicines. It is a diverse science that links health sciences with pharmaceutical sciences and natural sciences. It also encompasses pharmacy education and professional advocacy. The model aims to reduce the ambiguity that is often associated with the labeling of the discipline, and it is expected to provide a platform for dialogue in moving toward consistency and rationalization of terminology in the pharmacy sector locally, nationally and internationally. Historically, the professions of pharmacy and medicine were distinct. Physicians performed the diagnosis of illnesses and prescribed treatment, while pharmacists formulated, prepared and dispensed medicines. This arrangement was encouraged by ancient Greek and Roman medicine, as well as the medieval world, and Benjamin Franklin, the founder of America’s first pharmacy, took a strong stand in keeping physicians and pharmacists separate. Today, the responsibilities of pharmacists are broad and varied. They collect and review patient histories and drug use data. They help patients select over-the-counter and herbal products, and they educate people on the proper use of these medicines. Pharmacists also perform compounding, a process of creating custom drugs. For example, if a manufacturer only provides a medication in tablet form, a compounding pharmacist could prepare it as a medicated lollipop for a patient who cannot swallow tablets. The most important task of any pharmacist is to protect patient safety. This involves ensuring that the drugs are properly labeled, and that the dosages and frequency of administration are correct for each patient. They must also identify potential contraindications, which are situations in which a drug should not be used because it would harm the patient. For instance, a person with a bleeding disorder should not take aspirin because it could lead to excess blood loss. Finally, pharmacies must comply with all relevant state and federal laws and regulations. In addition to their clinical and administrative duties, pharmacists provide counseling services to patients and medical staff. They advise them on the use of medications and recommend appropriate lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation programs or weight loss plans. They also educate patients on drug interaction warnings and side effects. Moreover, they offer medication adherence programs, such as the Million Hearts Initiative, which encourages patients to regularly monitor and record their blood pressure readings. In order to become a pharmacist, you must complete a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy science and pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). Most states also require a background check and fingerprinting. Once you have received your license, you may work at a hospital, private pharmacy or health clinic. You may also choose to open your own independent pharmacy. In addition to selling prescription drugs, some independent pharmacists also offer immunizations and healthcare consulting services. Some offer online consultations through webcam or telephone. They are also known as virtual or mail-order pharmacies.