DIY Pharmacy...Or, Please Make Me Come Over There And Count My Own Pills...

Clematis

Had this conversation with my local pharmacist the other day.

[I, BTOG, just handed over my prescription]

Mr. Pharmacist: So, do you find yourself going through a lot of this stuff?

BTOG: Well, I have good days and I have bad days [regarding usage]... Why? Is there a problem that I should know about?

Mr. Pharmacist: Skin cancer.

BTOG: I beg your pardon...did you say cancer?

Mr. Pharmacist: Yah, skin cancer is a possible side effect...

BTOG [clearly startled]: Wow, I didn't know that. What are the chances of me coming down with skin cancer?

Mr. Pharmacist: I don't know. This whole business about side effects is very complicated. There are many variables involved. I don't have time to explain it.

BTOG: Are there other effects I should know about?

Mr. Pharmacist: What I'd suggest you do is google the drug's name. There are quite a few websites that will give you more info on the drug and possible side effects.

Postscript: Suffice to say, I was blown away by his suggestion to google it. So, I went home and googled several influential online pharmacy sources for drug info. Skin cancer was not mentioned as a side effect...hmmm.