At the pharmacy
A dialogue between a pharmacist and a customer:
DIALOGUE 1
Pharmacist: Good morning. How can I help you today?
Customer: Hello. Can you fill a prescription?
Pharmacist: Certainly. I see that you need several items - let me check if we
have them all. I will be right back.
Pharmacist: Well, Mr. Jones we have most of the items but I see that your
doctor prescribed you brand name antibiotics and we only have
the generic variety, will this be ok?
Mr. Jones: Um, what's the difference?
Pharmacist: The drugs are actually the same, both varieties use the
same active ingredients and are taken in the same manner. The only real
difference is the cost, the generic are much cheaper.
Mr. Jones: That sounds good. Oh, but what about side effects of the generic
one?
Pharmacist: The side-effects are the same with both drugs; the most common
one being drowsiness. Of course, you should read the instructions before
taking and pay close attention to the contraindications as this drug has a
few.
Mr. Jones: Ok, so I will take the generic antibiotics and what about the other
items?
Pharmacist: We have the eye-drops, the anti-inflammation suppository and
the liniment. I must say that this seems like an unusual combination of
treatment.
Mr. Jones: Ah, well you see it is not just for me. The prescription is from our
family doctor and covers me, my wife and our son.
Pharmacist: Now I see. Ok, so I just need to tell you a little about these drugs.
May I ask who the liniment is for?
Mr. Jones: That's for me.
Pharmacist: Ok, well this is a transdermal liniment which means you need to
apply it to the area and the active ingredient is absorbed into your
bloodstream.
Mr. Jones: Ok, and it should only be applied to a small area of skin?
Pharmacist: Yes, that is correct. Just follow the instructions on that. Now, the
eye-drops - these are topical...
Mr. Jones: You mean they may be unsafe?
Pharmacist: You would be surprised how often people try taking them orally.
Mr. Jones: I assure you that I know how to use eye-drops.
Pharmacist: Right, sorry I didn't mean to cause offense. Anyway, the
suppositories are a little more unusual. Are these also for you?
Mr. Jones: Absolutely not. They are for my wife.
Pharmacist: Ok, well please tell her that she must follow the dosage
instructions on the box and if at any time she starts to feel numb, she
should discontinue the treatment.
Mr. Jones: Of course.
Pharmacist: So that's everything from the prescription. Is there anything else I
can do for you?
Mr. Jones: Yes, I need something for a blocked nose and do you have
anything to help the immune system cope better?
Pharmacist: There are several options for boosting the immune system but as
you don't have a prescription it will have to be an over-the-counter remedy. I
would recommend 'rescue remedy'
Mr. Jones: What is it?
Pharmacist: It is a tincture of alcohol and herbs.
Mr. Jones: So it is natural?
Pharmacist: Yes, and it is very good. I use it on my daughter during the flu
season.
Mr. Jones: Ok, that sounds good.
Pharmacist: And for the blocked-nose, of course a nasal spray to clear the
nose and maybe a vitamin C dietary supplement as well.
Mr. Jones: That would be good, but it's for my son and he cannot swallow
tablets.
Pharmacist: No problem, these are effervescence tablets so they dissolve in
water.
Mr. Jones: Perfect. How much will that be?
Pharmacist: 49.92 with tax.
DIALOGUE 2
Patient: Hi, my name is Irfan hakim. I’m here to pick up my Nasonex
prescription.
Pharmacist: One moment please. How do you spell your name?
Patient: I-R-F-A-N Irfan, Hakim, H-A-K-I-M.
Pharmacist: OK, here you go. Have you ever used Nasonex before?
Patient: No, but my nasal congestion has gotten so bad. Now I have nasal
blockage so my doctor called it in for me to pick up.
Pharmacist: Yeah, I can see. Have you been using any other medicine?
Patient: No, but I’ve been sleeping with a vaporizer, but it hasn’t helped.
Pharmacist:Well, let me explain how to use the spray. First, make sure you
prime the pump.
Patient: I’m sorry. What do you mean?
Pharmacist: Hold the bottle in the air and squeeze the pump about 10 times
until you see a mist.
Patient: OK. How often should I spray my nose?
Pharmacist: Use it once a day, at the same time. And even if you start to feel
better and you’re breathing better, do not skip a day.
Patient: How long should I use it?
Pharmacist: Well, it can take up to 2 weeks before you start feeling some
relief, so keep call your doctor if after 2 weeks you see no change.
Patient: Are there any side effects?
Pharmacist:Well, you might experience a headache, a sore throat, some
coughing, and even a nosebleed. If the symptoms get severe, call your doctor.
Your Nasonex comes with a package insert. Read it carefully. You can call the
pharmacy or your doctor if you have any questions.
Patient: Thank you so much.
Pharmacist: No problem. Glad to be of help.
