There are a variety of ways that customers benefit from pharmacies making the most of pharmaceutical equipment and supplies. One important aspect that customers like most about their neighborhood pharmacy is the customer service. By making the most of pharmaceutical equipment and supplies, you provide service, keep your pharmacy customers satisfied, and keep them coming back to your business.

Pharmacists make use of pharmaceutical supplies to mix and prepare medications. Customers use pharmaceutical supplies, such as oxygen tanks, bandages, and medications to better their health. Therefore, pharmacies order medical supplies through distributors for business use and through wholesale companies for retail use. When determining ways of making the most of pharmaceutical equipment and supplies, think about the following:

1. Arrange pharmacy supplies so customers easily find them.

2. Customers should understand the proper use of pharmaceutical supplies and equipment.

3. Use pharmaceutical equipment and supplies with the safety of customers in mind.

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Display pharmacy supplies for customers to easily make comparisons

All pharmacy supplies pertaining to the same ailment should be together on the shelves. This way, customers easily make product comparisons and educated decisions. During busy prescription-filling periods, customers should not have to contact a pharmacist to locate over-the-counter products. Keep samples from pharmaceutical suppliers on hand for customers.

I recommend: RxShelving provides ideas on setting up shelving for your products. Drug Store News covers the latest trends in pharmacy management.

Offer support for using pharmacy supplies and equipment

Keep pamphlets and information booklets readily available for customers. Some pharmacies offer courses and classes on special equipment such as diabetic products. Be certain to install a privacy section at the pharmacy counter for customers to ask questions about medicines and other medical products. Offer up-to-date products and procedure information.

I recommend: Read about pharmacy suppliers such as Diapharma. The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists gives ideas on several pamphlets that may be of use to your customers.

Always use safety measures with pharmacy equipment and pharmacy supplies

Compounding equipment and medication mixers require caution when using. These pieces of equipment should be kept germ-free and in the best of condition. Make sure that gloves and other pharmacy supplies used by the pharmacy workers are sterile. Never make assumptions or cut corners when it comes to medications or working with pharmacy supplies.

I recommend: Germ Free offers pharmaceutical processing equipment and pharmacy supplies. Shop pharmacy suppliers such as TPS for pharmacy supply and equipment needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many pharmacists help customers with basic medical needs. However, it is important for your customers to realize that pharmacists are not doctors. If you are unsure about the health of a customer, refer him or her to a doctor. Do not let the customer talk you into taking on the doctor's role.

A pharmaceutical lab or pharmacy requires up-to-date, reliable and accurate equipment for the lab or pharmacy to function properly. Some of the types of pharmaceutical equipment needed include pharmaceutical packaging equipment (including containers and labels) and pharmaceutical processing equipment.

When selecting pharmaceutical equipment, you need to know what functions you wish for your pharmacy or pharmaceutical lab to perform. From there, you can go on to consider specific pharmaceutical supplies and pharmaceutical suppliers.

When purchasing and selecting pharmaceutical equipment:

1. Figure out what specific pharmaceutical equipment you need.

2. Consider used versus new pharmaceutical equipment.

3. Select the right supplier for you.

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Determine the kinds of pharmaceutical supplies you need

Pharmacies and pharmaceutical laboratories require many different kinds of pharmaceutical supplies. Most pharmacies and labs need both packaging supplies and processing supplies. Look at the offerings from some online retailers of pharmaceutical equipment to help you get an idea of what you need.

I recommend: Contact your sales representative from The Elizabeth Companies for information about their available pharmacy equipment including pharmaceutical packaging equipment. Browse the online catalog of pharmacy supplies from Total Pharmacy Supply. Contact AWS Bio-Pharma Technologies, LLC about their pharmaceutical processing equipment, including equipment for both aseptic and solid dosage processing.

Consider purchasing used pharmaceutical equipment versus new

Pharmaceutical equipment, when purchased new, can cost a great deal of money. Used or reconditioned pharmacy equipment, on the other hand, helps you stock your pharmacy or pharmaceutical lab with high-quality equipment at a discount. Consider used pharmacy equipment if you have concerns about the cost of pharmacy equipment.

I recommend: Contact Guaranteed Pharmaceutical Machinery (GPM) for information about their reconditioned pharmacy equipment including both coating equipment and tablet presses. GPM also offers a 6-month warranty on all of their products. Request a free catalog of used pharmaceutical supplies from Federal Equipment Company. Look at the used pharmacy supplies available online through LabX.

Choose the pharmaceutical suppliers to work with

Look for pharmaceutical suppliers that offer excellent customer service, product warranties and delivery options. Choose the supplier that offers you the products you need while providing the extras that you desire.

I recommend: Select pharmaceutical equipment from Eriez Manufacturing Co. to have access to their customer service and repair assistance. Shop at Micromeritics Instrument Corporation for pharmaceutical supplies and get assistance with service, maintenance and training on their products.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you can't find the specific pharmaceutical equipment and pharmacy supplies you need, consider special orders. Many pharmaceutical equipment companies can special order or search for the products that meet your needs.

Pharmacy supplies and equipment involve more than just medicines. While much of the inventory at pharmacies includes pills and liquid medicines, people go to pharmacies for things other than having prescription filled. Pharmacies offer customers answers and comfort when it comes to their medical needs.

Pharmaceutical equipment supplies basics include medicines, home health supplies, and compounding equipment. It is important for pharmacies to keep a variety of medical supplies available to meet the needs of their customers. When it comes to necessary pharmaceutical equipment and supplies at a pharmacy, the following details are important:

1. Unlike many medications, some pharmacy supplies do not require a doctor’s prescription.

2. Special care customers may need customized pharmacy supplies and equipment.

3. Pharmacy equipment allows pharmacists to mix and create special medicines for patients.

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Stock the inventory of pharmacy supplies with a variety of medicines

The most popular product sold at pharmacies is medicine. The type of medicine that each customer needs varies greatly depending on the age and condition of the person. Pharmacies keep pills, liquids, inhalers, powders, and over-the-counter medicines. In addition to the medication, pharmacies also stock medicine dispensers. Look for pharmaceutical suppliers that will keep you stocked with such products.

I recommend: Order products in the categories of medical equipment, pharmaceutical, health, from Medfinity. Learn how to help customers deal with the newer metered dose inhalers at Pharmacy Times. Scroll down the link at RXInsider to find wholesale providers and distributors of pharmaceuticals.

Provide home health customers with pharmaceutical supplies and pharmacy equipment

Many customers visit pharmacies for supplies that do not require a prescription by a doctor, but such supplies make customers more comfortable at home. These supplies include bandages, crutches, compresses, enemas, and more. Pharmacists suggest products to ease the pain of customers when a physician visit is not necessary. Customers can purchase these supplies to care for medical needs at home and in home health-care facilities.

I recommend: FootPhysicians.com gives instructions on how to size crutches properly to the individual and how to walk with crutches properly. Learn how to help customers deal with the newer metered dose inhalers at Pharmacy Times.

Seek pharmaceutical equipment and supplies for specialized use by pharmacists

Some supplies and equipment in the pharmacy are not available to the customers; the pharmacy workers use these supplies and equipment. Large equipment helps pharmacists with medicine compounding, mixing, pharmacy storing, and pharmacy packing. Bottles, dispensers, pill counters, and labels are all essential tools at a pharmacy. Pharmacists mix special medications and add flavorings for children using pharmacy supplies and equipment.

I recommend: Pine Pharmacy discusses the benefits of compounding medication; compounding requires specialized pharmaceuticals equipment. Read an article about pharmaceutical packaging equipment at Packaging Digest.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Pharmacists carry a large responsibility for customers. Check all supplies and equipment on a regular basis for mistakes in packing, storing or labeling. Also remember that many transactions at pharmacies are confidential and should be kept out of view from other customers.

The pharmaceutical industry requires precision and accuracy 100% of the time. Having the right pharmaceutical equipment and supplies can help make sure the products delivered to consumers are exactly what they’re supposed to be. To make sure you have the equipment that you need, pharmaceutical equipment and supplies key terms can be of assistance. Consider the following pharmaceutical equipment and supplies key terms for pharmaceutical compounding and pharmaceutical packaging.

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Compounding

Compounding is the process of customizing medications to meet a patient's unique needs. Compounding requires specific equipment and training so it is not available at all pharmacies.

I recommend: Pine Pharmacy explains compounding on its website and the skills required to do the job.

The Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA)

The Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA) is a network of 3,500 pharmacists in the United States, Europe, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. This group focuses on helping meet the needs of patients who require compounded medication.

I recommend: Read about The Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA) on its website.

The Laminar Flow Glovebox/Isolator (LFGI)

The Laminar Flow Glovebox/Isolator (LFGI) is a piece of pharmaceutical equipment that allows the compounding of medications in an isolated, secure environment. Built-in HEPA filters provide filtration for personnel working in the area, so that they're not exposed to the medication.

I recommend: Read about the Laminar Flow Glovebox/Isolator on the GERMFREE website.

Blister packaging

Blister packaging keeps tablets separated by dosage. You may find one or two tables in each blister, enough for one dose of that particular medication. Blister packaging is commonly used in many over the counter medications.

I recommend: The Elizabeth Companies provides more information about blister packaging.

Vibratory feeders

Vibratory feeders provide a gentle way of moving large quantities of pills or other bulk material. If pills are moved without the proper care, they could become damaged. Vibratory feeders are a great alternative to ensure the quality of tablets remains intact.

I recommend: Eriez Magnetics explains the benefits of vibratory feeders on its website.

Automatic tablet counters

Automatic tablet counters automatically count the medication before it's packaged and shipped. Automatic tablet counters improve efficiency and accuracy by elimnating human error. Some automatic tablet counters even have a 100% accuracy guarantee.

I recommend: Read about automatic tablet counters and how they improve accuracy on the Busch Machinery website.