Pharmacy  

When do I counsel?

Getting the message across to your patients about folic acid is very simple and takes only a few minutes to communicate.

Consider delivering the message during the following situations when:

• an individual inquires about vitamin supplements
• filling contraceptive prescriptions
• pregnant women or mothers with infants visit the pharmacy
• filling a prescription for lipid lowering drugs
• answering customers questions about symptoms of pregnancy

Remember, create your own opportunity!

As a pharmacist, you can remind yourself to spread the message by placing reminders near certain medications.  For example, one study in the Netherlands reported that 30% of the pharmacists surveyed add an additional label to the packaging of oral contraceptives that states:  

“If you stop using the pill because you wish to have a child, please ask your pharmacist for information about the use of folic acid before you become pregnant.” [104]

Another approach is to keep stickers that say, "Ask me about folic acid" near the indication stickers on the pharmacy bench. Use them whenever a prescription signals a possible at-risk individual, or someone who falls into a category where additional folic acid is useful. Put a sticker above the birth control and other medication sections, to remind you to discuss the folic acid message with your patient.

Have posters and/or brochures prominently placed.  Use your “Health News” space to highlight the importance of folic acid and other health-related issues.  If you have not yet developed such a space, find an area of the pharmacy that can serve as an information source for your clients. 

While it may seem daunting to try to squeeze in folic acid counseling during the course of a busy day, it’s reward may be priceless – a healthy individual.