SERVICES AND REPORTING
Reliance Imperial Pharmacy is open everyday except Sundays and public Holidays, and delivery schedules are customized to meet each facility’s needs. Our pharmacists are instantly available by phone, fax or e-mail to address any questions or issues.
Reliance Imperial Pharmacy provides other services to clients including ongoing monitoring and customized reporting and billing.
We assist our clients in meeting the state and federal compliance standards. All technology and billing programs are designed in conjunction with our clients’ input and participation, so that we can ensure that they work best for the clients. The management of Reliance Imperial Pharmacy prides in conducting strategic planning projects to improve our business practices and to introduce new avenues of promoting our business and to bring new benefits for our customers.
In addition, our projects in the past and that are currently in development are implemented with input and assistance of specific client advisory boards.
Client Services
Reliance Imperial Pharmacy focuses on each client’s specific needs and requirements. We recognize that circumstances of each of our clients are unique which need individual attention. To meet the customized and unique needs of our diversified patient population, we created specialized Client Services Teams, dedicated to meet those needs and so that we can exceed our patient’s expectations. Our professionally trained teams are comprised of highly qualified professional staff many with advanced degrees and substantial industry experience & expertise. Their insight and expertise is invaluable to our client-focused approach.
Following Are the Salient Features Of Our Services:
Multiple Daily Deliveries, Except Sundays and Public Holidays
Customized Medication Packaging
Participation in all Medicare Part D Plans
Proprietary Systems and Technology
Customized Reports, Forms and Billing
Prescription Document Imaging System, Regularly Scheduled Visits with Designated Liaison(s), Saving Clubs Rx Membership Privilege, Sr. Citizen Discount
Corrective & Preventive Action (CAPA) Plans For Securing Pharmaceutical Compliance
Transition Support and Training, Ongoing On-Site Training for Facility Staff, Strict Adherence to Customer’s Privacy Protection Policies In Compliance with HIPA Requirements
MTM (Medication Therapy Management Services) & Sessions
Ayurvedic Herbal Sessions
Generic Price Management System
Medication Management Tips
Reliance Imperial Pharmacy Patient Guide:
Medication Management Tips
Is Your Medication Working?
Is your medication as effective as you’d like it to be? There are many things that can impact how well medications work.
Are side effects preventing you from taking all your medication, or from taking it properly?
Stomach upset or discomfort
Constipation
Diarrhea
Insomnia, restlessness, hyperactivity
Drowsiness, sleepiness
Confusion
Dizziness
Headache
Hunger with overeating
Bad flavor or aftertaste
Do you think you may need a different dosage strength or dosage form? For example, do you have difficulty swallowing your pills?
Are you allergic or sensitive to your medication?
Has your medication been discontinued?
For all of these challenges, call immediately Farmacia Del Pueblo to have a personal counselling session
Common Side Effects
Worrying about medication side effects?
Here is the information about the common drug side effects
Tylenol PM /Advil PM/ Benadryl – Increases confusion, affects balance, impairs coordination, leading to an increased risk of falls. Has the opposite action and may undo any benefit of most Alzheimer’s medications.
Statin Medications (simvastatin, Lipitor, Crestor) – Can cause muscle weakness and pain in up to 40% of patients- can be very serious- May deplete Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) – may look like fibromyalgia. Red Rice Yeast/ Red Yeast Rice- is a statin drug – Do not combine with other statins or take if had muscle weakness /pain with other statins.
Niacin (Vitamin B3) – Used an s a drug to treat high cholesterol (usually 500 to 1000mg for this) – should take sustained release – take at night with daily aspirin if taking aspirin.
Vitamin D – Very important supplement – 1000 to 2000 IU daily (200 – 400 IU daily not nearly enough to benefit)
D3 is more easily used by the body.
Should have level done (Serum concentration of 25(OH) D) – should be above 50.
Deficiencies due to use of sunscreen and an important vitamin to take.
- Keeps bones strong, increases calcium absorption
- Prevents falls
- Decreases the risk of multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and all types of cancer
- Improves mood
- Improves immune system
Calcium
Calcium Carbonate needs to be taken with food to be absorbed. Calcium Citrate can be taken any time (All only 500mg at a time)
Calcium Carbonate = Tums, Caltrate Calcium Citrate = Citracal .Do not take with iron (ferrous sulfate, feosol, ferrous gluconate) some antibiotics, bisphosphonates (i.e. Fosamax, Actonel)… Separate calcium from these medications by 2 hours before or 4 hours after.
Glucosamine – Glucosamine with Chondroitin, and possibly MSM (Glucosamine 500mg three times a day or 1500mg daily, Chondroitin = 400mg three times a day or 1200mg once a day.
- improves Cartilage cushion around joints
- Caution WITH COUMADIN
Omega 3- Fish h Oil or Plant based –
Fish hoil contains two long-chain fatty acids called DHA and EPA, which are the the two forms of omega-3s. Flax and other plant oils contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is also an omega-3 fatty acid, but is slightly different from EPA and DHA. Your body should be able to convert the ALA to DHA or EPA. Algae is the one plant source of omega-3 fatty acids that contains pre-formed DHA. Omega 6 vs Omega 3 – Most diets contain enough Omega 6 but not Omega 3. Symptoms of an Omega-3 deficiency – fatigue, dry and/or itchy skin, brittle hair and nails, constipation, depression, frequent colds, poor concentration, lack of physical endurance and joint pain Effective for.
- Lowering fats called triglycerides Likely Effective for…
- Preventing heart disease and heart attacks
Coumadin: Caution
Coumadin must be adjusted to the supplements and vitamins you are taking. If you are currently taking some of these supplements, let your physician know.
- Don’t stop taking it
- Don’t change brands
- Don’t start new supplements without first notifying your physician / anticoagulant clinic. You cannot run out or miss doses of these supplements if they have been titrated to your Coumadin.
Some of the common supplements that can have significant interactions
With Coumadin, even if taken in teas are:
Acetyl l-carnitine
Angelica root
Arnica flower
Asafetida
Bog bean
Borage seed oil
Bromelain
Capsicum
Chamomile
Clove
Coenzyme Q10
Devil’s claw
Dong quai
Fenugreek
Feverfew
Garlic
Ginger
Ginkgo biloba
Ginseng
Goldenseal
Green tea (in large amounts)
Horse chestnut
Licorice root
Lovage root
Meadowsweet
Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)
Papain
Passionflower herb
Poplar
Quassia
Red clover
Selenium
St. John’s Wort
Sweet clover
Turmeric
Willow bark
Vitamin E (large doses)
Also starting antibiotics while on Coumadin without close monitoring of your INRs the
Most common cause of Coumadin emergencies. Make sure your anticoagulant clinic! Or
Physician closely monitors your Coumadin when you start an antibiotic and when you stop an antibiotic medication.
For more information please visit Farmacia Del Pueblo
How to Choose a Supplement?
Don’t assume that all herbal/supplement products on the market are safe or are what they say they are. Only a few companies are FDA approved.
What you have to check?
NSF International
The U.S. Pharmacopeia’s
USP Good Housekeeping Good Manufacturing
Dietary Supplement Verified Practices
Tips on Using Your Medicines Wisely
We are very lucky today to have modern medicines to help treat the many conditions and ailments that are experienced by older adults. Your prescription and non-prescription medications can treat disease, reduce symptoms, and help you live a healthier and more productive life.
But medicines are serious business. And taking medication is not always as easy as just swallowing a pill. It can involve many steps and decisions each day.
Using your medications the right way is very important to your health. The proper use of medicines not only helps you get the full benefit from the medications you take, but also reduces your chances of having side effects and problems that could occur from taking the medication the wrong way.
In order to make the best use of your medicines, it is important to take an active role in decisions about your treatment, to follow your treatment plan as prescribed by your doctor, and to watch out for problems and get help in solving them.
Take Part in Decisions about Your Treatment
Take part in your treatment decisions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and talk about your concerns. You may want to write down questions to ask at your next visit to the doctor. By taking time to ask questions now, you may avoid problems later.
Don’t be afraid to “bother” your doctor with your concerns and questions. Bring a friend or family member with you when you visit your doctor. Talking over your options with someone you trust can help you make better choices, especially if you are not feeling well. You can also talk to your pharmacist about the medications you are taking.
Ask about the risks and benefits of each medicine.
Ask how often you or your doctor will have to check your medicine’s effects. For example, checking your blood pressure if you are taking a medicine to lower it, or having a laboratory test done to make sure the levels of medicine in your blood are not too high or too low. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are already taking. This includes prescription medicines and the medicines you buy without a prescription, such as aspirin, laxatives, vitamin, and home remedies. Then your doctor can avoid giving you a new medicine that may not work well with one you already take. It is helpful and useful to keep a written list of all the medications you are currently taking—prescription and non-prescription—including the dose and instructions for use.
Tell your doctor what is important to you about your medicines. You may want a medicine with fewest side effects, or fewest doses to take each day. If you have trouble swallowing, you may want a liquid form of medicine. You may care most about cost (there may be a generic drug or another lower-cost medicine you can take), or you may want the medicine your doctor believes will work best. Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to medications or if you have had any troubling side effects from medicines. Tell your doctor if you have any illnesses or problems for which another doctor or health professional is treating you.
Follow Your Treatment Plan
To follow the treatment plan you and your doctor or pharmacist agree on, ask questions, and tell your doctor your needs and concerns. For example:
The name of the medicine and what it is supposed to do.
How and when to take the medicine, how much to take, and for how long. Ask about any terms or directions you do not understand.
What food, drinks, other medicines, or activities you should avoid while taking the medicine.
What side effects the medicine may have, and what to do if they occur.
Whether you can get a refill, and if so, how often.
What to do if you miss a dose.
Ask if there is written information you can take home. Most pharmacies have information sheets on your prescription medicines.
Tell your doctor of any concerns you have about using the medicine.
Tell your doctor if you are not taking your medicine as directed. For example, some people may stop taking their medicine, take a lower dose, or skip doses if they are having side effects. Your doctor needs to know about any changes in your treatment plan. Do not let guilty feelings or embarrassment keep you from telling your doctor this important information.
Adhering to the medication regimen prescribed by your physician is important for your medications to work properly. Taking your medication in the dose and at the times prescribed can be very important to the action of the medication. If you have any questions or problems with taking the medicine exactly as it was prescribed by your doctor, contact your physician or pharmacist.
Watch for Problems and Get Help Solving Them
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist about any problems you may be having with your medications. Most medicine problems can be avoided or solved if you know what to watch out for and if you talk with your health professional about what is happening.
Ask about the results of medical tests that show how the medicine is working. For example, if you are taking a medication for high blood pressure, it is important to monitor your blood pressure.
Ask if the medicine is still needed.
Tell how you are feeling since you started taking the medicine. Do you think it is helping?
Tell about any problems you are having taking your medicine, including side effects or any new problems that may be related to the medicine. If you experience any effects that you associate with your medication, such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, rashes, or other unexplained symptoms, contact your physician or pharmacist immediately.
Tell about any new medicines that another doctor gave you, and any new over-the-counter (non-prescription) medicines that you are taking. Telling which medicines you take is very important—especially if you are seeing more than one doctor.
How Your Pharmacist Can Help?
When you pick up your medicines, always talk to the pharmacist and ask any questions you may have about your medications. Here are some points to cover.
The name of the medicine and what it is supposed to do.
How and when to take the medicine, how much to take, and for how long. Ask about any terms or directions you do not understand.
Any special techniques or devices for administering the medication (e.g., liquids that you need to “shake well” before pouring the dose, or special instructions for the use of inhalers, suppositories, eye drops, or patches).
What food, drinks, other medicines, or activities you should avoid while taking the medicine.
What side effects the medicine may cause, and what to do if they occur.
Whether you can get a refill, and if so, how often.
What to do if you miss a dose.
How should the medicine be stored? Do any of the medicines require refrigeration?
Ask if there is written information you can take home. Most pharmacies have information sheets about your prescription medicines.
Try to use one pharmacy for all your medicine needs. Make sure the pharmacy keeps a complete “profile” of all your medications. Give a complete list of all medications to your pharmacist, including anything that you use that is available without a prescription. Make sure you include things such as vitamin supplements and home remedies, as these may interact with prescriptions you may also be taking. This will help your pharmacist keep track of your medicines, identify any duplicate therapy or potential interactions between the medications you take, and help you solve any problems you may have with your medicines.
Storing Your Medications
Store all of your medications in a designated location in your residence. Keep all medications stored together in one place unless they require refrigeration or are labeled “store in a cool place.” This will help if an emergency situation occurs and your doctor needs to review all of your medications. Be sure that your medications are stored out of reach of any children that may visit, especially if you have non-child proof containers.
Do not mix different medications together in one container; this will make it difficult if not impossible to identify your medications in an emergency.
Medicines should be stored in a cool, dry area. Do not store your medications in the medicine cabinet in the bathroom or in the kitchen because the heat and moisture may cause deterioration. Instead, store your medications in a designated area in your living room or bedroom.
Medications stored in the refrigerator should be separated from other items in the refrigerator. Consider keeping refrigerated medications in a plastic box or container in one area of the refrigerator.
Oral medications should be kept separate from other items that are for external use only (such as creams and ointment, or reagent tablets).
Expired medications (there are expiration dates on all of your medications) and any medication that your doctor has discontinued should be discarded.
Never share or give your medications to another person.
Remember, medicines can only help you if you take them the right way. The information provided here is intended to help you do so.
List of Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor about Your Medicines
What is this new medicine for?
Are there any non-drug options that I could consider?
What are we hoping this new medicine will do for me?
When should I expect the medicine to begin working?
When can I expect the full effect of this medicine to occur?
How long will I have to take this medicine?
How often will I need to come back to check the effects of this medicine?
Will I need any tests to see if the medicine is working? If so, what tests and how often?
What happens if I have side effects from the medicine?
What happens if the medicine does not seem to work or does not work well enough?
For existing medications:
Do I still need to take this medicine?
Are there any tests to check if the medicine is working? If so, what tests?
What are my results?
Are my results where they should be? Or could the results be better?
If results could be better, what changes if any do you plan to make to my medications?
What can I do to make results better?
If you have symptoms or side effects, ask if these could be due to your medicine.
Tell your doctor if you do not think your medicine is helping.
Always
Carry an up-to-date list of your medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter (nonprescription), and herbal remedies. The list should include the strength and directions.
Include any allergies you have to medications on this list.
Show this list to any health care provider that you see, including doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, home health nurses.
Tell your doctor about other health professionals that you are seeing.
Tell your doctor if you are not taking a medicine the way it was prescribed, if you have
stopped taking the medicine, or if you are taking more or less of the medicine than the
doctor originally prescribed.
Reliance Imperial Pharmacy developed customer oriented management strategies to promote our customer services that set us apart from chain stores or other community pharmacy. Reliance is committed to serve its customers and in commitment to its mission. Reliance always welcome our customer’s opinion in improving our services. Also email your ideas and opinion about our services.