What Patient Education Materials to Ask Your Pharmacist for

Most people pick up their prescriptions without asking a single question. But what if you could walk away with clear, personalized instructions that actually help you take your medicine right? Pharmacists are trained medication experts - not just pill dispensers. They have the knowledge to explain exactly how your drugs work, what to watch out for, and how to fit them into your daily life. Yet too often, patients leave without getting the full picture. You don’t need to wait for them to offer help. You can - and should - ask for specific patient education materials.

What You’re Entitled to Ask For

Pharmacists are legally required to provide basic counseling in 47 U.S. states, and federal rules under OBRA '90 mandate it for Medicaid patients. But the law sets a minimum. You deserve more. The Pharmacists' Patient Care Process (PPCP), updated in May 2025 by the Joint Commission of Pharmacy Practitioners, says pharmacists must partner with you - not just hand you a leaflet. That means asking for materials that match your needs, not just their checklist.

Start by requesting these nine core elements, backed by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP):

• The exact name of each medication and why you’re taking it
• How much to take, how often, and for how long
• How to take it - with food? On an empty stomach? At bedtime?
• What to do if you miss a dose
• Expected benefits and how long it takes to work
• Common side effects and how to manage them
• How to monitor your progress - like checking blood pressure or tracking symptoms
• How to store the medication safely
• Potential interactions with other drugs, foods, or health conditions

Don’t settle for vague answers. Say: “Can you give me a printed summary of this?” or “Can you show me how to use this inhaler?”

Ask for Visuals, Not Just Text

Reading a handout about insulin injections isn’t the same as watching someone do it - and then doing it yourself. Studies show patients who receive visual demonstrations, like seeing actual pill sizes or watching a video of an inhaler technique, are 87% more likely to use their medication correctly. Chain pharmacies often rush, but independent pharmacies and clinic-based pharmacists are more likely to have time for this.

Ask for:

• Actual pill images - “Can you show me what my pills look like?”
• Step-by-step diagrams for devices like nebulizers, auto-injectors, or insulin pens
• Color-coded calendars showing when to take each pill
• QR codes that link to short video tutorials (many pharmacies now use UpToDate or PERC resources with these)

One patient in Michigan said her pharmacist printed a chart showing exactly where to rotate her Lantus injection sites - something her doctor never explained. Her adherence jumped overnight.

Language, Literacy, and Accessibility Matter

Eighty million U.S. adults struggle with health literacy. That means even simple instructions can be confusing. Most pharmacy handouts are written at a 10th-grade level - but you need them at a 6th-grade level or lower to truly understand.

Ask:

• “Can you give me this in simpler language?”
• “Do you have this in Spanish, Tagalog, or another language?”
• “Can you read this aloud to me and then let me explain it back?”

The Patient Education Reference Center (PERC) offers over 15,000 handouts in English and Spanish, and many can be customized with your name, dosage, and doctor’s instructions. If your pharmacist says they don’t have it, ask where they get their materials - most use PERC, UpToDate, or Epocrates. You can even request a version with larger font or high-contrast colors if you have vision issues.

Request Documentation - and Keep a Copy

Pharmacists are supposed to document counseling in your record. In 32 states, it’s required by law. But if it’s not written down, it’s not official. Ask: “Will this be added to my pharmacy record?”

Then ask for a copy. Not just a receipt. A written summary of what was discussed. This helps when:

• You see a new doctor and need to show what you’re taking
• You forget details after a few days
• You need to prove you were properly counseled for insurance or legal reasons

Some pharmacies now send these via email or secure patient portals. If not, ask for a printed copy before you leave.

Ask About Cost and Alternatives

Sixty-two percent of patients need cheaper options, but only 18% of pharmacists bring it up. That’s a gap you can close.

Ask: “Is there a generic version?” “Can I get this for less with a 90-day supply?” “Are there patient assistance programs?”

Pharmacists have direct access to drug pricing databases and can often find savings you didn’t know existed. One woman in Florida saved $1,200 a year by switching from a brand-name statin to a generic - and her pharmacist printed a comparison sheet showing the difference.

Use the 7 Essential Questions

It’s hard to remember everything. Use this simple list as your script:

1. What is this medication for?
2. How and when should I take it?
3. What should I do if I miss a dose?
4. What side effects should I watch for?
5. How will I know if it’s working?
6. How should I store it?
7. Is there anything else I need to know?

Print this list. Bring it with you. Read it out loud. Pharmacists appreciate patients who come prepared - it makes the conversation more efficient and effective.

What to Do If They Say No

Some pharmacists are overworked. Chain pharmacies average just 1.8 minutes of counseling per patient. If you feel rushed or get a brush-off:

• Ask to speak with the pharmacist in charge - they often have more time
• Request a follow-up appointment - many pharmacies offer free 10-minute med reviews
• Visit an independent pharmacy - they typically spend 5-10 minutes per patient
• Call your local health department - they often have free medication counseling programs

Remember: You have a right to understand your meds. If a pharmacist refuses to provide materials or answer your questions, file a complaint with your state board of pharmacy. It’s not just polite - it’s your health.

What’s Changing in 2025-2026

Big changes are coming. Starting January 2026, Medicare Part D plans must include pharmacist-led medication therapy management as a required benefit. That means over 52 million seniors will get access to structured education - not just a quick chat.

The FDA is pushing for Medication Guides to be rewritten at an 8th-grade level and include QR codes linking to video demos. Pharmacies are also rolling out digital tools that let you download personalized instructions to your phone.

But none of this matters if you don’t ask. The system is improving - but you still have to drive your own care.

Final Tip: Make It a Habit

Every time you pick up a new prescription - or refill a chronic one - ask for the same things. Over time, your pharmacist will know your needs. You’ll get better materials. You’ll feel more in control. And you’ll avoid the costly, dangerous mistakes that come from misunderstanding your meds.

Medication errors cause 7,000 deaths a year in the U.S. Most of them are preventable. You don’t need to be a medical expert. You just need to ask the right questions - and insist on clear answers.