The following are commonly asked questions and their respective answers. Should you have additional questions or require further clarification, kindly contact the pharmacy on +233 (0) 31 229 3823 or +233 (0) 549 322 989. You can also click here to Ask Your Pharmacist.
- How do I send my prescription to Medicines Mart Pharmacy to be filled?
Take a picture of your prescription. Go to www.medicinesmartgh.com. Click on Upload Prescription, and follow the directions. We’ll receive your prescription and contact you.
- What if you don’t immediately have stock of something I need?
Our aim is to be a one-stop pharmacy solution to you, to save you the stress and time of moving from one place or another in search of what you need.
If it happens that we don’t immediately have what you need in stock, we will take an order from you, the source for the product, so you can sit back and relax while we work on your behalf. You’ll be kept updated on the progress of your order, as well as any other relevant information.
- When should I expect feedback when I place an order?
Feedback for orders placed are given within 24 hours of placing the order
- Who can access Medicines Mart’s pharmacy services?
As a community Pharmacy, Medicines Mart is open to all those living in or visiting Sekondi Takoradi, including individuals, families, travelers, expatriates, as well as institutions like schools, companies, corporate organizations, and so on.
- What COVID-19 safety protocols are in place to protect clients at Medicines Mart?
A number of measures are in place so that clients can safely get their medication.
At our retail outlet, together with Best Western Atlantic Hotel’s We Care Clean, clients will be required to:
– Wear a mask before entering the premise
– Wash and disinfect their hands
– Have their temperature checked
– Practice physical distancing
On our part:
– Staff are required to wear nose masks at all times
– Frequently wash their hands or apply hand sanitizer
– Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, countertops, and so on
– Perform hand hygiene and mask up while performing routine tests for clients such as blood pressure check, blood glucose checks, or malaria tests
You can also buy your medication, health products, and accessories using our online pharmacy and/or request medication delivery services.
- How do I receive my medication?
We offer 3 modes through which our clients can get their medication safely, at their convenience;
– In-store pick up
– Curbside pick up
– Delivery
- How long does it take to have medications delivered?
Medication deliveries within Takoradi are done with our courier partners between 8am – 6pm daily. Usually, deliveries are done within 1-2 hours of placing the request, provided the medication are all immediately available. For drugs that need to be ordered, deliveries may take longer; you’ll be kept up to date with any changes in the timelines. However, for requests placed after 6 pm, deliveries will be made the following morning.
- Do I pay for delivery?
Yes, you’ll be required to pay delivery charges as determined by our courier partners. You will be informed of this charge and your consent sought before the service is rendered.
- How do I order refills?
Refills can be ordered by phone, through our website, or through WhatsApp
– Call 031 229 3823 or 0549 322 989, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to speak to one of our staff regarding your refill
– Order refills online by using a secure account here
– Contact us via WhatsApp on 0549 322 989
While we strive to supply refills on the same day, we recommend that you submit your order for refills at least 3-5 days before you completely run out, so as to avoid interrupting your medication regimen.
- What is an OTC drug?
OTC stands for “over-the-counter”. These are drugs that can be bought without a prescription. They include drugs for simple ailments like mild pain, fever, cough, cold, tummy upset or basic first aid.
- Why do I need a prescription for some drugs?
Prescription drugs are drugs that require a prescription because they are considered to be potentially harmful if not used under the supervision of a licensed health care practitioner. Certain prescription drugs have additional controls placed upon them.
- What is the difference between generic and brand name? Is one better than the other?
When a medication is first developed, the manufacturer has patent rights on the formula and/or compound. Once this patent right expires, other companies can produce generic versions of the drug that meet the same FDA requirements and regulations as the brand name drug. Most insurance companies require generic substitutions unless specifically requested by the prescriber or patient.
- What does “take with food”, “take before food” or “ take on an empty stomach” really mean?
These dosing instructions are given depending on how your medication interacts with food. They’re geared to help you get the best response from your drugs.
“Take with food” means your medication may either be best absorbed by food, or the food may be required to prevent stomach irritation that could potentially come up. “Take before food” or “on an empty stomach” means your drug works best when there’s no food in your stomach. Therefore, you should take it about 30 minutes-2 hours before you eat.
- What does “may cause drowsiness” mean?
“May cause drowsiness” means exactly that: the given drug can make you drowsy. Most of the time, such drugs are prescribed for use at night only. In some situations, though, you may be required to take it during the day. You should not drive, operate any heavy machinery or perform any task that required apt concentration when given any such drug.
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
What to do when you miss a dose will differ depending on the drug and the directions for its use. Always call your pharmacist to find out what to do when you miss a dose.
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How do I store my medication?
Always keep your drugs in a cool dry place away from the reach of children unless told otherwise by your pharmacist.
- Can I speak directly to a pharmacist to ask questions about my medications?
Yes. You can speak to Pharmacist by using our provided numbers or the Ask Your Pharmacist segment of our website.
- What should I do if I think I’m having a reaction to my medication?
Side effects are not unusual when taking medication. They vary, and commonly include headaches, nausea, general discomfort, diarrhea, mild rash and so on. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if these effects are becoming unbearable. However, severe reactions, known as adverse reactions, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain are considered emergencies. Seek medical attention in a hospital immediately.
- What should I do if my new pills don’t look like the previous ones I had?
Pills containing the same drug (also known as active ingredients) may look different from each other because even though they contain the active ingredient, they’re produced by different manufacturers, therefore their appearance may vary.
For instance, Paracetamol 500mg tablets manufactured by Company A may look different from that produced by Company B; but they both contain the active ingredient Paracetamol 500mg.
If you’re unsure whether your new medication is the same as your old one, contact your pharmacist.
- What is a drug interaction?
This refers to a change in the way a drug acts in our body after it is taken together with another drug, food, herbal products, and so on. Drug interactions can lead to the drug becoming more or less effective than expected. Or it can result in other unexpected effects on the body.
Always inform your doctor or pharmacist if you’re taking any other medication.