Pharmacist Tips


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Welcome to our series, where we provide pharmacist-approved medication tips and insights for patients and caregivers.

Brand-name and generic drugs

Q: What’s the difference between brand-name and generic drugs?

A:

There are generic versions of many brand-name drugs. In most cases, generics cost less. This makes some patients wonder how generics are different. Many want to know if they work the same way as brand-name drugs. It can be helpful to know how generics are made...

A:

There are generic versions of many brand-name drugs. In most cases, generics cost less. This makes s...
WaleAlayoku
Wale Alayoku, PharmD, CPh

Clinical Logistics Pharmacist

Orlando, FL

Medication Adherence

Q: What is medication adherence? Why is it important?

A:

Medication adherence means taking medication correctly. It refers to how well you follow the steps for taking a drug just as it is prescribed. This means taking it at the right time, the right dose and the right frequency. Doing this can help improve your trea...

A:

Medication adherence means taking medication correctly. It refers to how well you follow the steps f...
TroyLizyness
Troy Lizyness, RPh

Pharmacist Supervisor

Orlando, FL

Caregiving

Q: Who is considered a “caregiver”?

A:

A caregiver is someone who provides ongoing assistance to someone who, for example, has a chronic illness or a disabling condition. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), roughly 25% of U.S. adults reported providing care or assistance to a person ...

A:

A caregiver is someone who provides ongoing assistance to someone who, for example, has a chronic il...
ReneeBaiano
Renee Baiano, PharmD, CSP

Clinical Program Manager

Pittsburgh, PA

Diet & Exercise

Q: How important is diet and exercise for your overall well-being?

A:

Having a healthy diet and exercising regularly can lower the risks of getting cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, arthritis as well as certain types of cancer. Routine exercise lowers your blood pressure and heart rate, controls weight and regulates ...

A:

Having a healthy diet and exercising regularly can lower the risks of getting cardiovascular disease...
DesireaIrvin
Desirea Irvin, PharmD

Staff Pharmacist Lead

Orlando, FL

Immunizations

Q: Why are immunizations important?

A:

Immunizations are crucial in decreasing the spread of diseases. They can prevent infection and decrease the severity of disease. Immunizations control and even eliminate some life-threatening illnesses such as measles, pertussis (whooping cough), shingles, mum...

A:

Immunizations are crucial in decreasing the spread of diseases. They can prevent infection and decre...
DesireaIrvin
Desirea Irvin, PharmD

Staff Pharmacist Lead

Orlando, FL

Sun Care

Q: What does the “SPF” number on sunscreens mean?

A:

SPF stands for “sun protection factor.” It is a measure of a sunscreen's ability to protect the skin against ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which can cause sunburns and cancer. SPF does not measure protection against ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. So to make sure you’re...

A:

SPF stands for “sun protection factor.” It is a measure of a sunscreen's ability to protect the skin...
TroyLizyness
Troy Lizyness, RPh

Pharmacist Supervisor

Orlando, FL

Seasonal Allergies

Q: Many people struggle with seasonal allergies, but they aren’t exactly sure what they are. Can you tell us what seasonal allergies are and what causes them?

A:

Seasonal allergies — also known as “hay fever” or allergic rhinitis — are the body’s overreaction to natural, normally harmless elements commonly present during the spring and fall. These elements — known as allergens — including pollen from trees, flowers, gr...

A:

Seasonal allergies — also known as “hay fever” or allergic rhinitis — are the body’s overreaction to...
DesireaIrvin
Desirea Irvin, PharmD

Staff Pharmacist Lead

Orlando, FL