Wolf Pack honors pharmacy appreciation week

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Dustin King
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The next time you plan on making a trip to the Exchange to buy medication for treating cold, flu or sore throat symptoms, the 8th Medical Group provides those same over-the-counter drugs at no cost.

"A lot of people don't know everything the pharmacy can do for them," said Tech. Sgt. Eric Mabala, 8th MDG pharmacy NCO in charge. "If you are sick, you can come to the pharmacy and fill out the forms provided to prevent waiting for an appointment for common illnesses.  After turning in the form and it gets approved you will be able to pick up your medicine from the counter."

The over-the-counter program frees up appointments for more serious medical issues. The over-the-counter program was opened up just in time for pharmacy appreciation week.

"Every year there is a pharmacy appreciation week that promotes pharmacy awareness," Mabala said. "This also gives time for the pharmacy to promote knowledge about the many services that we provide."

Besides the pharmacy providing over-the-counter medicine year round, smoking cessation classes are also offered for members looking to quit smoking.

The treatment is tailored to the patient and takes into account the amount of tobacco and duration of use to design an appropriate program for the individual, according to Capt. Andrea Russell, 8th MDG pharmacy element chief. The pharmacist can then provide prescriptions that may include nicotine replacement products (patches or gum), Chantix or Zyban.

"The pharmacy is doing a drug take-back on Oct. 29-30th at the exchange," said Russell. "This is to drop off drugs lying around that need to be disposed. The drugs can range from narcotics to over-the-counter medications which should not be laying around or might have expired."

The 8th MDG strongly encourages individuals to participate in the drug take-back to ensure that expired drugs and prescribed medications are disposed of in a safe manner.

For questions concerning the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at Kunsan Air Base, contact the pharmacy at 782-5177.