Your pharmacist is one of the most accessible healthcare professionals in your community — and one of the most underused. Here are the questions that matter most, and why asking them could make a real difference in your health.
Why Your Pharmacist Is Your Most Accessible Healthcare Partner
In East Palo Alto, Drew Center Pharmacy has been filling prescriptions and answering health questions since 1974. In that time, one thing has remained constant: patients who ask more questions get better health outcomes. Your pharmacist has a doctorate-level education in medications and is available without an appointment — yet most people leave the pharmacy counter without asking a single question beyond "how much does this cost?"
Dr. Arthur H. Lim, Pharm.D. has spent over 40 years helping patients understand their medications. Here are the questions he recommends every patient ask.
1. What is this medication for, and how does it work?
Always confirm the purpose of a new prescription. Occasionally, prescriptions contain errors — wrong drug, wrong dose, wrong patient — and confirming that the medication matches your condition is the first line of defense. Understanding how a medication works also helps you recognize when it is and is not working properly.
2. How and when should I take this?
Timing matters more than most patients realize. Some medications must be taken with food to prevent stomach upset. Others must be taken on an empty stomach to absorb properly. Some need to be taken at the same time every day. Some should never be taken with grapefruit juice. Ask specifically: morning or evening? With or without food? What if I miss a dose?
3. What are the most common side effects, and which ones should concern me?
Every medication carries potential side effects, but not all side effects are equal. Some are minor and temporary. Others are warning signs that require an immediate call to your doctor. Your pharmacist can tell you which side effects to expect, which to monitor, and which require urgent attention.
4. Does this interact with anything else I'm taking?
Drug interactions are one of the most common causes of medication-related problems, and they are largely preventable. Tell your pharmacist about every prescription, OTC medication, vitamin, and supplement you take — including herbal products. Bring your bottles in or make a list. At Drew Center Pharmacy, Dr. Lim personally reviews every prescription and checks for interactions as a standard part of the dispensing process.
5. Is a generic version available, and is it just as effective?
Generic medications contain the same active ingredient at the same dose as their brand-name equivalents and are required by law to meet the same FDA standards for safety, effectiveness, and quality. For many patients, switching to a generic can reduce costs substantially — sometimes from $100 or more per month down to $4 or $10 with our generic medication plans. Ask whether a generic option is available for your prescription.
6. What happens if I stop taking this medication suddenly?
For some medications — particularly blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and certain steroids — stopping abruptly can be dangerous. Others can be discontinued at any time without issue. Know before you go without a refill.
7. How should I store this medication?
Many medications degrade when stored incorrectly. Some require refrigeration. Others should be kept away from humidity (which means the bathroom medicine cabinet is actually one of the worst places to store them). Ask your pharmacist about the right storage conditions for each medication you take.
The Bottom Line
Your pharmacist is a doctor of pharmacy — a doctoral-level clinician whose entire expertise is centered on medications. At Drew Center Pharmacy, that expertise has been available to the East Palo Alto community for over 50 years. The next time you pick up a prescription, take a moment to ask. We are always here to help.
Drew Center Pharmacy · 2242 University Avenue, East Palo Alto, CA 94303 · (650) 321-1449
Hundreds of commonly prescribed generic medications are available for $4 (30-day supply) or $10 (90-day supply) at Drew Center Pharmacy. Here is what qualifies, who benefits most, and how to ask about it.
Many of the most widely prescribed medications in America are now available as generics — and at Drew Center Pharmacy, qualifying generics are available for $4 for a 30-day supply or $10 for a 90-day supply. This program covers medications commonly used for:
- Type 2 diabetes management
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)
- Thyroid conditions
- Heart conditions
- Infections (common antibiotics)
Ask your pharmacist whether your current prescriptions qualify. Switching to a qualifying generic can save a family hundreds of dollars per year. Community Benefit Cardholders have automatic access to the $10 plan. Call us at (650) 321-1449 to find out if your medications qualify.
For older adults and those managing chronic conditions, the right equipment at home can mean the difference between independence and a hospital stay. Drew Center Pharmacy carries the durable medical equipment you need — and we accept Medicare and Medicaid.
Blood pressure monitors used correctly at home provide data that helps your doctor make better treatment decisions. Walkers and canes selected for the right height and grip prevent falls — a leading cause of serious injury in adults over 65. At Drew Center Pharmacy, our pharmacist can help you choose the right equipment and confirm your insurance coverage. View our full equipment selection →
At a chain pharmacy, you see a different technician every visit. At Drew Center Pharmacy, you see Dr. Art Lim — the same pharmacist who has served East Palo Alto for over 40 years. Here is why that continuity of care matters.
An independent pharmacist knows your family. They know which medications you take, which ones caused problems in the past, and what changes your doctor has made over time. That institutional memory is invaluable — especially for patients managing multiple chronic conditions. At Drew Center Pharmacy, we also offer services you will not find at a chain: utility bill payments, Clipper Card reload, jewelry and gifts, free local delivery, and a pharmacist who will take the time to sit down with you. Learn more about our story →