Pharmacy FAQ's

Generic drugs are medications that are equivalent to brand-name drugs in every essential way. They match the brand-name version in:

• Dosage form (e.g., tablet, capsule, liquid)
• Performance (how they work in the body)
• Safety
• Strength
• Quality
• How they’re taken
• Intended use

These generic drugs provide the same therapeutic benefits as brand-name drugs but are typically more affordable, making them a cost-effective option for many patients.

Yes, generic drugs are held to the same strict standards that brand-name drugs are. Both of them are manufactured in facilities that must comply with good manufacturing practices and are thoroughly tested to for safety, quality, and effectiveness. You can trust that generic drugs provide you the same level of safety and performance as their brand-name counterparts.

Many people face challenges with their medications, which can be inconvenient or even harmful to their health. If you think you are at risk, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you sometimes forget to take your medication?
• Are you unsure about the purpose of the medication you’re taking?
• Are you running out of medication before you refill your prescription?
• Do you find it difficult to swallow your tablets?
• Is it hard for you to open your medication containers?
• Do you find taking your medication inconvenient?
• Are you unclear what the side effects are of your medication or what to do if they occur?

If these questions seem all too familiar, you could be at risk of medication problems. Talk to a Bishop Pharmacy pharmacist about your concerns. They can help identify potential issues and offer practical solutions to manage them.

Remember, your pharmacist is here to help! Don’t hesitate to ask us any questions or symptoms that are worrying you. We can answer your questions about the medications you are prescribed and provide guidance on taking them safely and effectively.

When managing chronic pain, here are some safe and effective options:

• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Effective for inflammatory pain, use them during painful flare-ups. Start by taking the lowest effective dose for the shortest time to minimize risks like gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, cardiovascular issues, or high blood pressure.
• Over-the-Counter Pain Medications: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen should not be taken for more than 7–10 days unless directed by a doctor. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure that they are safe for you.
• Topical Pain Gels and Creams: For people who cannot take oral medications due to stomach issues, compounded pain gels and creams are an excellent alternative. Bishop Pharmacy offers custom-made compounding options for you to try.

Remember, always discuss your chronic pain management plan with a healthcare professional to determine the safest and most effective approach for your situation. Contact Bishop Pharmacy for more information on our compounding solutions.

Diabetes is a condition where your blood glucose (sugar) levels are too high. While glucose is an important source of energy for your body, having too much glucose in your blood can harm your health.
Here’s how it works:

• Your body turns most of the food you eat into glucose, which travels through your blood to provide energy to your cells.
• To enter your cells, glucose needs insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas.
• If your body doesn’t make enough insulin or if the insulin doesn’t work properly, glucose cannot enter your cells and is trapped in your blood, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Uncontrolled diabetes can cause serious issues, including:

• Blindness
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Kidney failure
• Nerve damage
• Amputations (such as a toe or foot)
• Pregnancy complications in women

Managing your blood sugar levels is necessary to prevent these complications from happening.

A stroke occurs when there is a sudden loss of brain function due to either:

• An interruption of blood flow to the brain (ischemic stroke)
• A rupture of blood vessels in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke)

Both situations result in brain cells (neurons) dying in the affected area. The effects of a stroke depend on the location and severity of the damage cause to the brain and may include challenges with movement, vision, memory, speech, reasoning, or the ability to read and write.
In some cases, strokes can happen when the heart stops (cardiac arrest), cutting off the brain’s supply of oxygen and nutrients. The longer the brain goes without blood flow, the greater the risk of permanent damage.

Heart disease refers to a group of conditions that affect the structure and function of the heart. The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body. It depends on a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients carried by the blood to function properly.

One common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD). This condition occurs when fatty materials, calcium, and scar tissue (known as plaque) accumulate in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. Over time, this plaque buildup narrows the arteries, that reduces blood flow to the heart and can lead to serious complications.

Heart disease can have various causes and risk factors, so it’s imperative to monitor your heart’s health and seek medical advice if something is irregular. For more information or support, visit Bishop Pharmacy.

Healthy blood pressure is needed to properly run heart and organ function. When your blood pressure is too high, the heart must work harder to pump oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood throughout your body. Over time, this extra strain can damage blood vessels, causing them to scar, make them less elastic, and ultimately less effective at delivering blood to your organs.
High blood pressure accelerates the stiffening of arteries, which causes the heart muscle to thicken and weaken. This reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. When arteries are damaged, they may fail to supply the proper blood flow to vital organs, leading to potential complications such as:

• Heart damage, potentially causing a heart attack
• Brain damage, increasing the risk of stroke
• Kidney damage, potentially leading to kidney failure

Maintaining a healthy blood pressure is crucial to reduce the risk of these serious health issues and to keep your heart and other organs functioning properly.