Pharmaceutical Services – Additional Support at the Pharmacy

Do you take multiple medications or sometimes wonder whether your treatment is right for you? Then it’s worth talking to your pharmacy, because there are new ways to provide you with targeted support. Since summer 2022, people with statutory health insurance in Germany have been able to take advantage of special services that go beyond the standard consultation. In this article, you can find out exactly what these services involve and how you can benefit from them.

What Are Pharmaceutical Services?

In Germany, pharmaceutical services are extended services offered by your pharmacy that have been specially developed for people with complex medication or special treatment situations. They are designed to help improve the safety and effectiveness of your drug therapy. The focus is on individual support – whether it’s using inhalers, oral cancer therapy, or taking many different medications.

When Are You Eligible and What Services Are Available?

Pharmaceutical services are aimed at patients with specific needs in terms of medication safety or therapy support. Pharmaceutical services can be used in five different situations:

in case of high blood pressure,
for polypharmacy (simultaneous and long-term use of multiple medications),
in case of use of inhalers,
for oral cancer therapy,
or after an organ transplant.

In these cases, the health insurance company covers the costs.

The following section provides more detailed information on the five pharmaceutical services.

Five Services – Tailored to Your Individual Situation

Standardized Risk Assessment for High Blood Pressure

Wenn Sie blutdrucksenkende Medikamente einnehmen, bietet Ihre Apotheke eine strukturierte Kontrolle Ihrer Blutdruckwerte an. Your blood pressure is measured several times and discussed with you to determine whether your therapy is optimally adjusted. The aim is to identify at an early stage whether the medication is lowering your blood pressure as desired and whether the therapy should be adjusted if necessary. Any adjustments to your medication will always be made by your doctor.

Instructions for the Correct Use of Inhalers

Inhalers are used in particular for respiratory diseases such as asthma or COPD. These are medications that are intended to be inhaled directly into the lungs in order to take effect there. Correct use is crucial for these to work properly. At the pharmacy, you will learn the correct technique for using your inhaler (a device that delivers the medication directly into the airways when inhaled) using a practice device or placebo, and you can practice under supervision.

Medication Counseling for Patients Taking Multiple Medications (Polypharmacy)

If you are taking five or more medications on a long-term basis, this is referred to as polypharmacy. In this case, you are entitled to a detailed medication analysis. Your pharmacy will work with you to record all your medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter, check for interactions, dosages, and application problems, and create an updated medication plan – in close cooperation with your doctor, if necessary.

Support With Oral Cancer Therapy

If you are taking cancer medication in tablet form, support from your pharmacy can be helpful. The focus here is on questions about correct intake, side effect management, and adherence to therapy. Your pharmacy will provide you with close support, especially at the beginning of therapy.

Advice After Organ Transplantation With Immunosuppressants

After a transplant, it is vital that immunosuppressants are taken correctly. Your pharmacy will support you with individual advice on safe use, avoiding interactions, and maintaining the stability of your therapy.

What to Expect at the Pharmacy

Die pharmazeutischen Dienstleistungen finden in einem vertraulichen Rahmen statt und beinhalten je nach Leistung ein Beratungsgespräch, eine strukturierte Erhebung von Gesundheitsdaten und praktische Übungen. Your pharmacy will document the results and discuss them with you. If necessary, your doctor will be notified.

If you are still unsure despite the consultation at the pharmacy, notice side effects, or have further questions about your therapy, it may be helpful to talk to your doctor.

How You Benefit From Pharmaceutical Services

These pharmaceutical services primarily serve to improve the safety and effectiveness of your drug therapy. If medications are used incorrectly, are not optimally adjusted, or interact with each other, this can reduce the success of the therapy or even increase risks. The additional support provided by your pharmacy allows such situations to be identified at an early stage. At the same time, your pharmacy team plays a stronger role within your care team, complementing medical therapy and offering an additional point of contact. This increases the quality of care and can thus contribute to better overall health care.

It’s That Easy: How to Access the Services

Ask your pharmacy specifically about pharmaceutical services. If, for example, you take a lot of medication or your situation fits one of the above criteria, bring up the topic during your next visit. Your pharmacy can tell you whether they offer the service and what the specific procedure is. These services can help clarify many questions about your everyday medication.

The frequency of use is precisely regulated for each service:

Blood pressure measurement can be carried out once a year, or sooner if there are changes to your medication.
Inhalation training is also available once a year or when you change devices.
Medication counseling for those taking multiple medications is provided annually, or more often in the event of significant changes.
Support for oral cancer therapy is available once within the first six months after the start of therapy.
Consultation after organ transplantation can take place once within six months after the start or change of immunosuppressive therapy.

The costs are usually covered by your statutory health insurance, provided that the eligibility requirements are met.

Well supported in everyday life

Digital aids such as the mediteo app can also help you keep track of your medication or remind you to take it. This adds valuable support to the care provided by your pharmacy.

Sources

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