Filling a Prescription

Another common thing to know for when you are taking charge of your own healthcare is how to fill a prescription. A prescription is something your doctor writes to allow you to get any type of medication you may need. You can then pick up your medication at any pharmacy. Here are some things to keep in mind when filling your own prescription:

• Know exactly which medications you take, including over-the-counter medications (medications you take without a prescription, i.e. Advil) and tell your doctor honestly what you take, as they need to ensure that what they prescribe you will not interact badly to what you are already taking.

• Some doctors may give you a written prescription, which you have to take to your local pharmacy yourself, but most will fill out the prescription electronically, so will ask you what pharmacy you use beforehand so they can send the prescription there themselves. You will just have to go and pick it up there after it is ready. Common pharmacies in Hawaii include those at Walgreens, CVS, or Long’s.     

• Before filling it, know if your prescription is covered by your insurance. If it’s not, and you don’t know, you may have to pay a large sum of money to the pharmacy. If it is, bring your insurance card to the pharmacy so they verify it. 

• The prescription usually comes with an information sheet from the manufacturer including info about when the best time to take it is, how often to take it, and possible side effects. See the graphic below to learn how to read a prescription label. 

• If you notice any side effects, even minor ones, contact your physician or even pharmacist immediately. 

• Don’t wait until you’re completely out of the medicine to order a refill. If you need a refill, order it about a week before you run out. You can usually just call the pharmacy to order a refill, and will just need your prescription number identification that comes with your medication.