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Hours:Mon., Tues., Fri. 8:30am - 5:00 pm Summer and Vacation Hours may vary! |
The Schiffert Health Center (SHC) Pharmacy is staffed by registered pharmacists. Instructions are given on the proper use of prescribed medication and printed drug information is provided. Students enrolled at Virginia Tech who have paid the Health Services Fee are eligible to use the SHC Pharmacy. Family, staff, and faculty members are not eligible. The Pharmacy will fill basic medications from the SHC drug list. In addition, birth control and STD prevention methods (oral and injectable contraceptives, condoms, and spermicides) are available. Over-the-counter drugs are offered through our self-care cold clinic as a convenience to our students.
WHAT ARE THE PHARMACY FEES?
Most prescriptions are covered by the Health Service Fee and are dispensed without charge. Certain prescriptions and over- the-counter birth control items (condoms and spermicides) are charged through Accounts Receivable. Receipts are given for each charged item. Monthly billing is listed as "Pharmacy Service"; individual items purchased are not listed. Payment is made to Accounts Receivable.
HOW ARE PRESCRIPTIONS FILLED?
New prescriptions written by doctors not affiliated with Schiffert Health Center must first be taken to Medical Records for ID validation. You may bring prescriptions to the pharmacy to be filled while you wait or you may leave prescriptions and pick up the medications later. To obtain refills of prescriptions, please bring your Prescription number (Label) or your student ID to the pharmacy. Patient medication information handouts are available upon request. Most medications for short term illness are covered by the Health Services fee and are provided free of charge. Long-term (more than 30 days) prescriptions must be purchased at an outside retail pharmacy. Charged items are billed through Accounts Receivable as "Pharmacy Service" (individual medications are not itemized). Please make payment to Accounts Receivable.
How to succeed with your medicine
Always, without exception:
- Read labels carefully and follow instructions.
- Ask your pharmacist when in doubt.
- Store drugs in a cool, dry place, i.e., a dresser drawer.
- Antibiotics - take all unless otherwise instructed. Resistant organisms develop easily with partial usage. For more info on antibiotics download get this pamphlet (antibiotics.pdf)
- Discard prescriptions within 2-3 months unless there is a visible expiration date on your container. Discard all unused antibiotics. If for any reason, you have some unused antibiotic, discard immediately!
- Keep our pharmacy informed about current drug allergies, chronic medical conditions, and current medications in use.
Questions All Patients Should Ask Their Pharmacists
1. What is the name of the medication, and what is it supposed to do?
Know the names of your medications, both prescription and non-prescription. If you see more than one physician, always inform them of other medications you are taking. This will help ensure that the medication that you take is appropriate for your condition.
2. When and how do I take it?
Examples of questions to ask are: Should I take this medication on an empty stomach or with food? At the same time every day? How often should I take it?
3. Should I avoid using alcohol, any other drugs, foods, and/or activities?
Your prescription medication may interact with other drugs with harmful effects. Certain foods or alcohol may also interact with drug products. Never begin taking a new medication, prescription or non-prescription, without asking your pharmacist if it will interact with your other medications.
4. Should I expect any side effects?
All medications can cause side effects but if you experience unexpected side effects, contact your physician or pharmacist. Read the medication handout.
PLEASE REMEMBER!
The pharmacists are available for patient consultation. Ask questions about your prescriptions. Be certain you know why you are taking a particular medication and how to take it.
To Contact the VT SHC Pharmacy
For comments, questions, or concerns regarding the VT SHC Pharmacy call 540-231-8103, or to send e-mail first read this, then send mail to healthcenter@vt.edu