SPONSORED CONTENT: Does it matter which pharmacy I use?

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Have you ever changed your pharmacy because of a sale or special or just because of convenience? Have you ever stopped to think if it was wise to have some of your medications in one pharmacy and the rest elsewhere? Many people end up in this situation out of convenience, but don’t consider all of the ramifications. Pharmacy shopping, just like doctor shopping, can always pose a risk of harm to the patient. The end result is medications in different pharmacies verified by different pharmacists who don’t have access to all their patients’ information. Even databases between chain pharmacies, for example, won’t always alert to drug interactions between sites.

It is difficult for a pharmacist to address drug interactions and potential adverse reactions if they don’t have access to all the patient’s information. It is also important to let your pharmacist know which medical conditions and allergies to medications you have, and which non-prescription medications you may be taking so they can alert you if there are any potential problems.

The pharmacy that has the most access to this type of setup is a community pharmacy, where the pharmacist has access to patient records as they are being seen by providers within that same clinic, which is actually now an option at the Sun Life Family Health Center in Maricopa. Pharmacists here can provide better care as they have access to medical and prescription records, and can more thoroughly check for interactions, even see your lab results to help determine appropriate therapy.

PROVIDER SPOTLIGHT
Desiree Tilbury
You might already know the pharmacist in charge, Desiree’ Tilbury, a native that has been working at other retail locations here in Maricopa for several years now and is excited to be part of the team at Sun Life. “Seeing a provider and then being able to have a pharmacist review not only your prescription history but also your medical history here at Sun Life provides a more thorough continuity of care that you just can’t get anywhere else,” she has said. “ I want our customers to know that we have their health and well-being as our top priority here at Sun Life, and I’m excited to take my customer care experience to our local community.”

Education: Doctorate of Pharmacy (University of Arizona College of Pharmacy, 2005)desiree-tillbury
Hometown: Tucson
Reside in: Maricopa
Family: Husband of 16 years, three children ages 12, 10 and 6
Hobbies: Playing guitar and piano, singing, painting, drawing portraits
Pet peeve: Lack of humility!
Pets: 2 dogs, 1 cat, 2 birds, 2 fish
Dream vacation: Hawaii and Paris
Like most about Maricopa: Friendliness of people in small town
Like least about Maricopa: Limited activities/ Restaurants

FAVORITE…
Charity: Child Fund International
Book: Jurassic Park
Movie: Hook
Actor: Cillian Murphy
Musician: Keith Urban
Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Food: Pulled pork and fried pickles
Drink: Long-Island Iced Tea
Restaurant: Cheddars
Getaway: Sedona
Usually spend time … with friends, at church and sports activities with my kids.
Goals: Adopting another child
Quote: “Our horizon is never quite at our elbows.” — Henry David Thoreau (Things are always much more than they appear to be!)

See your Sun Life provider today and ask about our pharmacy options.