Not only giving medicine and explaining how to use the medicine you need, there are many other things you need to know about the real job of a pharmacist. Pharmacists do not prescribe drugs, but play an important role in maintaining the quality of drugs and ensuring proper storage of drugs.
Pharmacists are part of a team of professional health services who work in a pharmacy, either hospital pharmacy or the pharmaceutical industry. Focusing on the effectiveness and safety of drug use, a pharmacist has a duty to distribute drugs.
In addition, a pharmacist is also in charge of selecting drugs that can still be used and expired drugs. The pharmacist can also help advise whether you need to see a doctor, find various drug options, as well as advise about the side effects of each drug.
To become a pharmacist, one must undergo a university-level pharmacy education degree and learn several things, such as how to use drugs, drug side effects, drug interactions with other compounds or drugs, monitor the limits of use and drug reactions, and study chemical and working mechanisms. medicine in the body. What is learned will be combined with other disciplines, such as anatomy and physiology of the human body. To do this work, a pharmacist must have been previously registered with a supervisory body, namely the Indonesian Pharmacists Association.
With the supplies they have, pharmacists have an important role in a hospital or pharmaceutical industry, as well as providing quality health services. Unfortunately, sometimes some pharmacists act against the rules by giving strong drugs that patients ask for without going through a doctor's prescription. This is a malpractice and very risky, because it can harm the patient.
Decree of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Number 02396/A/SK/VIII/1986 Article 2 states that hard drugs can only be given with a doctor's prescription. In addition, Article 3 of strong drugs must include a special sign in the form of the letter K with a red circle on all hard drug packaging. You need a prescription or consult a doctor before taking it.
So, even though pharmacists have a lot of supplies regarding drugs and diseases, it does not mean that pharmacists can easily give hard drugs to patients without a doctor's prescription.
Pay attention to these things when buying drugs
The following are some things you need to pay attention to when you want to buy medicine at the pharmacist:
- Make sure the pharmacist where you buy the drug has the same information or understanding as the doctor about the drug given and also the reactions that may arise in you after taking the drug.
- It is recommended to ask for a measuring device if the medicine you are taking is a liquid medicine. Because, the tablespoon in your home with the measuring spoon can have different sizes.
- In order to keep the medicine out of reach of children, especially for bottles, make sure the medicine you buy is accompanied by a safety device for children, or with an opener that is quite difficult for children to open.
- In order for medicines to be stored safely and not spoil, ask your pharmacist for advice on how to store them, because some medicines can be damaged if you store them in the wrong place. For example, should it be stored in the refrigerator or in a dry place.
In addition to the things above, the pharmacist will also ensure that the drugs and instructions for using drugs are in accordance with the prescription given by your doctor or in accordance with the information given by your doctor during the consultation.
The pharmacist is one of the health service experts who are responsible for selecting and administering medicine for you. Even if your pharmacist is knowledgeable about certain drugs and diseases, it is not recommended that you buy over-the-counter medicines without a doctor's prescription.
To determine which drug to prescribe according to the diagnosis of the disease, you still need to consult a doctor first. In addition, also pay attention to whether the pharmacist on duty where you buy the medicine, already has a permit or not, and is registered with the Indonesian Pharmacists Association or not.