Patient Education Materials from Pharmacists: What to Ask For

Most people think their doctor is the main source of information about their medications. But the person who actually hands you the pills-your pharmacist-has deeper, more practical knowledge about how those drugs work, how to take them safely, and what to watch out for. Yet too many patients leave the pharmacy without asking for the written or visual tools that could make a real difference in their health.

What Pharmacists Are Required to Give You

By law, pharmacists in 47 states must provide basic counseling when you pick up a new prescription, especially if you’re on Medicaid. But that’s just the minimum. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) has been pushing for better standards since 1997, and the latest guidelines from the Joint Commission of Pharmacy Practitioners (JCPP) in May 2025 make it clear: counseling isn’t just about checking a box. It’s about making sure you understand your meds well enough to use them correctly.

Here’s what you should expect to get, whether you ask or not:

• The name of the drug and why you’re taking it
• How much to take, how often, and for how long
• What to do if you miss a dose
• Common side effects and how to handle them
• How to store the medication properly
• Any food, drinks, or other drugs you should avoid
• How to tell if the medicine is working

These aren’t suggestions-they’re the standard. But here’s the problem: most pharmacists only have about 1.8 minutes per patient in chain stores like CVS or Walgreens. That’s not enough time to explain everything clearly. So if you want real understanding, you need to ask for more.

What to Specifically Request: 5 Must-Have Materials

Don’t settle for a quick verbal rundown. Here’s what to ask for-specifically-every time you pick up a new prescription:

1. A printed, personalized handout-Not the generic one-size-fits-all sheet. Ask for one that includes your name, the exact drug name, dosage, and schedule. The Patient Education Reference Center (PERC) offers over 15,000 evidence-based handouts that can be customized. Many independent pharmacies use these. Chain pharmacies might need a nudge.
2. A live demonstration with return demonstration-If you’re using an inhaler, insulin pen, or auto-injector, don’t just watch. Ask the pharmacist to show you how to use it, then let you try it back. Studies show patients who do this have 87% better technique than those who only get verbal instructions.
3. Materials in your preferred language-PERC and UpToDate offer handouts in over 18 languages. If you’re not fluent in English, say so. Spanish-language materials are available for 92% of common medications. Don’t assume they’ll offer it-ask.
4. Written documentation of your counseling-Ask if your counseling session was documented in your pharmacy record. Under ASHP guidelines, it should be. This matters if you switch pharmacies or see a new provider. It’s your health record, and you have a right to it.
5. Resources for your specific barriers-Are you elderly? Ask for large-print or color-coded pill organizers. Low literacy? Request materials written at a 6th-grade level. Struggling with cost? Ask if there’s a cheaper generic or patient assistance program. Only 18% of patients report pharmacists bringing this up-so you need to.

Why Pharmacist Materials Beat Doctor’s Instructions

Your doctor might explain your diagnosis, but your pharmacist knows your meds inside and out. They handle hundreds of prescriptions a day. They’ve seen what happens when people take pills wrong.

A 2022 study in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association found that patients understood medication administration-like how to use an inhaler or inject insulin-87% better after pharmacist instruction than after doctor advice. Why? Doctors focus on the disease. Pharmacists focus on the drug.

For example, your doctor might say, “Take metformin with meals.” Your pharmacist will say: “Take two 500mg tablets with breakfast and dinner. If you skip a meal, skip the dose. Don’t take it on an empty stomach-it can cause nausea. If you forget, take it as soon as you remember, but not if it’s close to your next dose. Don’t crush the tablet.” That level of detail? That’s the pharmacist’s job.

What’s Missing from Most Pharmacy Materials

Even the best handouts have gaps. A 2021 audit from the University of Florida found that only 35% of pharmacy handouts are written at a 6th-grade reading level. That’s a problem because 80 million U.S. adults have trouble reading health information. If you’re struggling to understand the print, say so. Ask for a simplified version.

Another big gap? Cost. Sixty-two percent of patients need cheaper alternatives, but only 18% of pharmacists ever mention them. If your prescription is expensive, ask: “Is there a generic? Is there a patient assistance program? Can I switch to a lower-cost drug that works the same?”

And cultural relevance? Barely there. Only 28% of current materials address how social factors-like transportation, housing, or food insecurity-affect your ability to take meds. If your life makes it hard to stick to a schedule, tell your pharmacist. They can help adjust the plan.

How to Prepare for Your Next Visit

You don’t have to wing it. Come prepared. Use the 7 Essential Questions endorsed by ASHP:

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 expect?
5. How will I know if it’s working?
6. How should I store it?
7. Is there anything else I need to know?

Write them down. Bring them with you. If you’re picking up multiple meds, list them in order. Don’t be shy. Pharmacists are trained to answer these questions. They want you to succeed.

What’s Changing in 2025 and Beyond

The rules are getting stricter-and better. Starting January 2026, Medicare Part D plans will be required to include pharmacist-led medication therapy management as a covered benefit. That means 52 million seniors will get structured education, not just a quick chat.

The FDA is pushing for simpler language on Medication Guides and even QR codes that link to video instructions. UpToDate and other digital tools are now used in 85% of teaching hospitals. Pharmacists are starting to track something called a “patient activation score”-a measure of how confident and prepared you feel after counseling.

And it’s working. A 2023 study in Health Affairs found that every dollar spent on pharmacist-led education saves $4.30 in avoided hospital visits for chronic conditions like diabetes and heart failure.

Bottom Line: You’re the Key

Pharmacists are your medication experts. But they can’t help you if you don’t ask. Don’t assume they’ll give you everything. Don’t wait until you’re confused or sick. Walk in prepared. Ask for printed materials. Ask for a demo. Ask about cost. Ask for it in your language.

Medication errors cause 7,000 deaths in the U.S. every year. Half of all people don’t take their meds as prescribed. You don’t have to be one of them. The tools are there. You just have to request them.