10 questions to ask your pharmacist before you buy a medicine
Last reviewed 23 October 2026
Short answer: A pharmacist is the easiest and cheapest source of advice you have. Before you buy, ask what the medicine is, what strength you are getting, whether there is a registered alternative, what the price is per tablet, and how to take and store it. These ten questions cover the most useful points.
Why it is worth asking
Most people hand over a prescription or name a brand and leave. But a short conversation can help you avoid buying the wrong strength, paying more than you need to, or taking a medicine in a way that does not suit you. Pharmacists expect these questions, and a good one will be glad to answer them.
The ten questions
1. What is this medicine, and what is the active ingredient?
Ask for the generic name, which is the active ingredient. It lets you check what you are buying and compare brands fairly. See brand vs generic medicines.
2. Is this the strength and form my doctor prescribed?
Check that the strength (for example 500mg) and the form (tablet, capsule or syrup) match your prescription. A different strength is a different product.
3. Is there another registered brand with the same ingredient?
Different brands of the same ingredient can have different prices. Ask whether a registered alternative exists, and whether it is suitable for you. If a doctor chose a specific brand for a reason, do not switch without asking them.
4. What is the price per tablet?
Ask the price of the pack and the number of tablets, then divide. This is the fairest way to compare. Our guide on pack sizes shows how.
5. Is the price the same as the one printed on the pack?
The printed retail price is the maximum a seller may charge. If the price you are asked to pay is higher, ask why. Read how DRAP sets medicine prices to understand what the printed price means.
6. When does this pack expire, and what is the batch number?
Check the expiry date yourself too, and make sure it is well ahead. A pack close to its expiry date may not last for your whole course. See how to read a medicine label.
7. How and when should I take it?
Ask how many times a day, whether to take it with food, and for how long. Follow your doctor's instructions and the leaflet, and ask the pharmacist to write the instructions on the pack if that helps you remember.
8. What side effects should I watch for, and what should I avoid?
Ask about common side effects, foods or drinks to avoid, and whether it affects driving or work. Tell the pharmacist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a long-term condition or have had an allergic reaction before.
9. Is it safe with my other medicines?
Tell the pharmacist about every medicine you take, including painkillers, herbal products and supplements. Some combinations are not safe, and many common cold and pain products contain the same ingredient, such as paracetamol.
10. How should I store it, and what do I do if I miss a dose?
Ask where to keep the medicine and for how long a bottle is good after opening. Also ask what to do if you miss a dose. See how to store medicines safely at home.
Tips to get more from the conversation
- Bring your prescription, or a photo of it, and any medicines you already take.
- Write your questions down before you go, so you do not forget them.
- If you do not understand an answer, ask the pharmacist to explain it again in simpler words.
- Choose a licensed pharmacy that keeps medicines properly and is willing to answer. If a seller cannot or will not answer basic questions, that is a warning sign. Read about spotting fake or unregistered medicines.
Frequently asked questions
Is it rude to ask a pharmacist so many questions?
No. Answering questions about medicines is part of a pharmacist's job, and asking them helps you use your medicine safely.
Can a pharmacist change the brand my doctor wrote?
A pharmacist can explain the options and may suggest an alternative with the same ingredient, strength and form. For a prescribed or long-term medicine, check with your doctor before you switch.
What if I cannot afford the whole pack?
Tell the pharmacist. Ask about a smaller pack, or about another registered brand, but do not stop or change a prescribed medicine without checking with your doctor.
Sources and further reading
- The label and leaflet supplied with each medicine.
- DRAP, dra.gov.pk, and its PharmaPrice Index.
- Your pharmacist or doctor, for advice about your own medicines.