Patient Education Materials from Pharmacists: What to Ask For

Most people think their doctor gives them all the information they need about their meds. But here’s the truth: pharmacists are the real experts on how to take your pills safely and effectively. They see your full medication list, know how drugs interact, and spend more time explaining the details your doctor doesn’t have time for. Yet, too many patients leave the pharmacy with just a bottle and no real understanding of what they’re supposed to do.

What You Should Always Ask For

Don’t wait for the pharmacist to offer. Ask for these things every time you pick up a new prescription or refill a chronic medication.

• A printed handout with your medication’s name, purpose, dose, and schedule. It should say exactly when to take it-morning, night, with food, or on an empty stomach.
• Clear instructions on what to do if you miss a dose. Some meds need to be taken as soon as you remember. Others shouldn’t be doubled up. Getting this wrong can be dangerous.
• A list of common side effects, not just the scary ones. Know what’s normal (like mild nausea) versus what needs a call to the doctor (like swelling or trouble breathing).
• How to store your medicine. Some need refrigeration. Others must stay dry and out of sunlight. A pill left in a hot car or bathroom can lose its strength.
• Warning about interactions. Ask: “Can I take this with my other meds, vitamins, or alcohol?” Many patients don’t realize their blood pressure pill can react badly with a common painkiller.

Ask for a Demonstration-Not Just Words

If you’re using an inhaler, insulin pen, epinephrine auto-injector, or nebulizer, don’t just nod along. Ask the pharmacist to show you how to use it-and then let them watch you do it.

Studies show that when patients demonstrate their technique, 76% get it right. Without it, only 41% do. That’s a huge gap. One man in Manchester told me he’d been using his inhaler wrong for three years because he thought he was supposed to inhale before pressing it. His breathing didn’t improve because he was only getting 20% of the dose. The pharmacist showed him the right way-press first, then breathe in slow and deep. His symptoms cleared up in weeks.

Same goes for insulin. Many patients don’t know they need to rotate injection sites to avoid lumps under the skin. A simple diagram with pictures of the thigh, belly, and arm can make all the difference.

Request Materials in Your Language

If English isn’t your first language, don’t settle for a handout you can’t read. The Patient Education Reference Center (PERC) offers over 15,000 handouts in English and Spanish-and 92% of common medications have Spanish versions. Many pharmacies can print these on the spot.

Even if you’re fluent, ask for simplified language. The average U.S. adult reads at a 7th-grade level, but most pharmacy handouts are written at a 10th- or 12th-grade level. Look for ones that use short sentences, bullet points, and large fonts. If they don’t have one, ask them to print a version from UpToDate or the CDC-they have plain-language versions for hundreds of conditions.

Ask About Cost and Alternatives

Medication cost is one of the biggest reasons people skip doses. Yet only 18% of pharmacists bring up cheaper options unless asked.

Ask: “Is there a generic version?” “Can I switch to a lower-cost brand?” “Do you have a discount card or patient assistance program?” Many pharmacies have coupons or partnerships with drugmakers that cut costs by 50% or more. One woman in Manchester was paying £80 a month for her diabetes pill. Her pharmacist found a generic that cost £12-and gave her a free 30-day trial. She’s been on it for a year now.

Don’t be embarrassed to ask. Pharmacists see this every day. They’re trained to help you afford your meds, not just fill your prescription.

Get It in Writing-And in Your Record

Federal law (OBRA ’90) requires pharmacists to counsel Medicaid patients. But 47 states now require counseling for everyone. And in 32 of those states, the pharmacist must document what was discussed in your medical record.

Ask: “Can you note in my chart that I received counseling today?” This matters if you go to a new doctor or ER. It also helps if there’s ever a dispute about whether you were told something. A written note protects you.

Some pharmacies use digital systems to email or text you a summary after your visit. Ask if they offer that. It’s easier to keep than a paper handout you’ll lose.

Use the 7 Essential Questions

Before you leave the counter, run through this quick checklist. If the pharmacist doesn’t answer all of them, ask again.

1. What is this medication for?
2. How and when should I take it?
3. What should I do if I miss a dose?
4. What side effects should I expect?
5. How will I know if it’s working?
6. How should I store it?
7. Is there anything else I need to know?

These aren’t just questions-they’re your rights. The Joint Commission of Pharmacy Practitioners updated its guidelines in May 2025 to make sure these are part of every patient interaction. You’re not being difficult. You’re being smart.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

Half of all people with chronic illnesses-like high blood pressure, diabetes, or asthma-don’t take their meds as prescribed. That’s not laziness. It’s confusion.

Wrong dosing leads to 7,000 deaths in the U.S. every year. Medication errors cost the healthcare system $300 billion annually. But when patients get clear, personalized education from a pharmacist, hospital visits drop by 25% and adherence improves by up to 40%.

That’s not magic. It’s simple: when you understand your meds, you’re more likely to take them right. And when you take them right, you stay healthier longer.

What’s Changing in 2026

Starting January 2026, Medicare Part D plans must offer pharmacist-led medication therapy management as a required benefit. That means over 52 million seniors will get structured counseling-not just a quick chat.

The FDA is also pushing for simpler Medication Guides with QR codes that link to video demos. And more pharmacies are using digital tools to send personalized reminders and educational videos to your phone.

But none of this matters unless you ask. The system is getting better. But you still have to speak up.

Final Tip: Be Prepared

Before you go to the pharmacy, write down:

• All your meds (including vitamins and supplements)
• Any side effects you’ve noticed
• Questions about cost or how to take them

Bring this list with you. Don’t rely on memory. If you’re helping an elderly parent or caregiver, go with them. A second set of ears makes a big difference.

Pharmacists aren’t just the people who hand you pills. They’re your medication coach. Treat them like one. Ask for the materials. Ask for the demo. Ask for the truth. Your health depends on it.