Talking to a pharmacist matters—and the top questions you should be asking.

Ever left the doctor’s office with a prescription and thought, Wait, how do I take this? Or picked up a new medication and wondered, What happens if I miss a dose? You’re not alone! Medications can be confusing, and doctors don’t always have time to answer every question.

That’s where pharmacists come in. They’re the experts in how medications work, how to take them safely, and what to do if something feels off. But here’s the problem—most people only get a quick, two-minute chat at the pharmacy counter (if they’re lucky).

🚨 Good news: Through Scene Health, you can have a real conversation with a pharmacist—for free! No waiting in line, no rushed talks. Just real advice from a medication expert who takes time to go through your health history. So why does this matter? Let’s break it down.

Enroll online or call the Scene care team on 4103481905.

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Member Story: Celeste went from one medication to six a day. See how having a pharmacist in her pocket helped her with her new medications.

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Step 1: Stay on Top of Your Medications

Skipping doses? Taking meds at the wrong time? You’re not alone—about 75% of Americans have trouble taking their medications correctly. This can lead to:

• High blood pressure that stays high (increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke)
• Uncontrolled diabetes (leading to nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision loss)
• More asthma or COPD flare-ups (causing breathing problems and ER visits)

✅ How a pharmacist helps: They explain exactly when and how to take your meds, what to do if you miss a dose, and how to make it part of your routine.

💡 Ask your pharmacist:

• What happens if I forget to take my medication?
• Can I take this with food or should it be on an empty stomach?
• Should I take this medication at a certain time - morning or night?
• Can I take this medication at the same time as my other medications? 
• How long before I start feeling better?

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Step 2: Get Rid of Medication Confusion

Ever picked up a prescription and thought, Wait, what’s this for again? Or maybe your doctor switched your meds, and now you’re not sure what changed.

A pharmacist can walk through your medication list and explain:

• What each medication does and why you need it
• Side effects to watch for (so you’re not caught off guard)
• What’s safe to take together (some meds don’t mix well!)

How a pharmacist helps: Instead of feeling lost, you’ll know exactly what you’re taking and why it matters.

💡 Ask your pharmacist:

• Are there any side effects I should expect?
• Can I take this with my other medications?
• Do I really need all these pills, or can I stop any?

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Step 3: Save Money on Medications

Medications can be expensive. If you’ve ever been shocked at the pharmacy counter, a pharmacist can help! Don’t assume you’re stuck with the price of your medication—a pharmacist might know a way to make it cheaper!

💰 How a pharmacist helps:

• Suggests cheaper alternatives (like generics instead of brand-name drugs)
• Helps find Medicaid programs or discounts to lower your costs
• Checks if you really need all your prescriptions or if there’s a better option

💡 Ask your pharmacist:

•  Is there a generic version of this medication?
• What’s the most affordable way to refill my prescription?
• Are there programs that help cover the cost?

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Step 4: Breathe Easier with the Right Asthma or COPD Treatment

If you have asthma or COPD, using your inhaler the right way can make a HUGE difference. But guess what? 70% of people use their inhalers incorrectly! That means they’re not getting the full dose of medicine they need.

💨 How a pharmacist helps:

• Teaches proper inhaler technique (so the medication actually gets into your lungs)
• Explains how often to use it and when you might need a stronger prescription
• Helps create an asthma or COPD action plan to keep symptoms under control
• If you’re using your rescue inhaler all the time, it could mean your condition isn’t under control. A pharmacist and your Scene care team can help you figure out what’s wrong!

💡 Ask your pharmacist:

• Am I using my inhaler correctly?
• How can I tell if my asthma or COPD is getting worse?
• Should I be using a different inhaler or medication?

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Step 5: Catch Problems Early and Stay Out of the ER

Taking the wrong medication—or using it incorrectly—can lead to serious health problems. The good news? Pharmacists can catch these issues early, before they turn into an emergency.

🚑 How a pharmacist helps:

• Spots medication errors before they cause problems
• Helps you avoid dangerous drug interactions
• Prevents unnecessary hospital visits by keeping you on track

💡 Ask your pharmacist:

• Am I taking my medications safely?
• What should I do if I feel dizzy, nauseous, or weak from my meds?
• When should I call my doctor about a medication issue?

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Why Scene Health Makes It Easier

We get it—talking to a pharmacist at a busy pharmacy isn’t always easy. You’re in a rush, they’re in a rush, and it’s hard to get all your questions answered.

🚨 That’s why we do things differently. With Scene Health, you get:

• One-on-one time with a pharmacist—no waiting in line
• Longer conversations so you can go over your full health history
• Easy access for all members—no extra cost!

Instead of feeling confused about your medications, you’ll feel confident and in control. Ready to chat with a pharmacist? Enroll today and get expert advice—without the hassle.

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Final Thought: Your Pharmacist is Your Health Ally

Most people don’t take advantage of everything a pharmacist can offer. But with the right guidance, you can take control of your health, stay on track with your medications, and avoid unnecessary ER visits.

So next time you have a question about your medication, don’t wait—ask a pharmacist. And if you want to skip the pharmacy line? Scene Health makes it easier than ever. 💙

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