Pharmacists are well-versed in pharmacology, which is the branch of medicine that focuses on the uses and effects of drugs. Pharmacists understand the therapeutic roles of drugs and drug side effects and interactions with other drugs. Your pharmacist can help monitor these factors and which foods and activities can have an effect on your medications. Your pharmacist is a great resource. For example, instead of calling your doctor for a mild skin irritation, a lot of pharmacists can make recommendations of over-the-counter (OTC) medications or topical creams to help heal the skin. Or a pharmacist can suggest which OTCs to take for a cold, headache, upset stomach and other types of non-serious conditions. Accessibility is so convenient now with pharmacists in grocery stores, drug stores and big retail stores. Some of these pharmacists can take your temperature and help determine if you have the flu or another common illness.

Yes, a dosing schedule is important, because every medication that you take has a specific dosing schedule — once a day, three times a day, etc. You should try to take your medication at the same time every day for the most beneficial effect of that medication. And if the medication is discontinued by the doctor, that needs to be noted and followed.

Keep medications in a safe place and out of the reach of children and pets. Some medications need to be refrigerated, but the majority do not, and you can keep them in a dry place that’s not exposed to temperature extremes. Also, be sure not to mix up your medications. Keep each medication in its own distinct bottle unless someone is managing the dispensing of medicines via cassettes or pillboxes. Being able to distinguish one medication from another gets harder with age.

There is some controversy when it comes to expiration dates, but I do think people need to be cognizant of expiration dates. Certain medications like insulin, nitroglycerin and liquid antibiotics are most sensitive to expiration dates. If you have questions about the potency and effectiveness of medications you take, always check with your doctor or pharmacist. You especially don’t want the elderly taking medication that expired years ago.

If you do not take your Vyvanse as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember in the morning. If you do not remember until the afternoon, skip the dose; taking the medication after morning can cause trouble sleeping at night. Do not take a double dose.