10 Ways Pharmacists Can Help You Manage COPD

Pharmacists can help you use your inhaler correctly, explain side effects, identify issues with your treatment plan, and more.

Have you ever received information about your medication from a pharmacist while picking up your prescriptions? Maybe a pharmacist reviewed your medicines before you were discharged from the hospital. Did you ever get a vaccine at a local pharmacy from a pharmacist?

What may surprise you is how involved pharmacists are in your care, especially when helping you manage chronic conditions. Pharmacists are a great resource for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in many ways.

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1. How to use your inhaler and other devices properly

Using your inhaler or other devices properly is the best way to ensure you’re getting your medication’s total dose. Getting enough of your medication is a simple way to stick to your treatment plan.

Pharmacists can teach you the correct way to use your inhaler when you first start taking it and throughout your treatment for COPD. Your pharmacist might ask you to “teach back,” where you will show how to use your inhaler before leaving the pharmacy.

2. Learning about and updating your medication list

Pharmacists improve your care by showing you how to use your medications and reviewing your medication list.

This can help reduce medication errors. The pharmacist can also ensure that your medications don’t interact with each other, share information on side effects to watch out for, and help you follow your medication plan or regimen.

Your pharmacist might recommend stopping unnecessary medications that can cause side effects or you no longer need. This review might even save you money at the pharmacy counter.

It’s essential to remember taking medications as prescribed helps improve your quality of life.

3. Vaccinations

Community pharmacists often give many types of vaccines, including those that protect against flu and pneumonia. These might help people living with COPD who have a greater risk for respiratory disease and hospitalization.

These vaccines are easily accessible at your local pharmacy. Pharmacists are great resources for educating you or your loved ones on preventing the flu and pneumonia.

Your pharmacist or a physician will work with you to determine which vaccines are right for you.

4. Supportive access to health savings and care

Pharmacists will help you use cost-saving strategies, such as offering generic medications and recommending combination therapy when appropriate (or if available).

They will also share financial assistance programs, discount cards, and copay reduction options.

Community pharmacists work with your physician to find the best medication options for you and often discuss your care. For example, they check on medication refills so you don’t miss doses, which may help prevent COPD exacerbations and potential hospitalizations.

Plus, they’ll contact you when your medications are ready for pick up.

5. Identifying and addressing issues with medications

Pharmacists can tailor your needs by offering personalized inhaler instructions. They can also consider your preferences, so speaking up is important.

This relationship with your pharmacist will help you take your maintenance, or everyday medications, more regularly, which might help improve your condition.

Pharmacists can also help you take medications by checking how you use your inhaler, simplifying your medication schedule, and identifying any issues with your current medication list.

6. Smoking cessation tools and support

Quitting smoking has the power to slow the progression of COPD symptoms, according to research published in 2023. Pharmacists support smoking cessation, or quitting smoking, by offering counseling and making recommendations for over-the-counter (OTC) nicotine replacement products.  

Your pharmacist may recommend prescription medications for you to discuss with your doctor. But it’s not all about medication. They can also suggest support tools, such as program referrals, to help you quit smoking.

7. Figuring out a care plan just for you

Pharmacists can help create a personalized approach to your COPD care. That might include education about exacerbations or flare-ups, how to improve symptoms, and when to seek help for worsening symptoms.

A daily log or journal is helpful for tracking how you’re feeling, how often you use a rescue medication such as albuterol, identifying any issues you may have with your medications, and keeping track of your appointments.

Solutions for additional treatments, such as breathing exercises, oxygen use, nutrition, and other medications (like antibiotics or steroids), may also be part of your plan.

8. Transition of care

Your pharmacist can work with you when you’re discharged from the hospital. Many hospital pharmacists will review your medication list for possible issues (such as duplicate medications, drug interactions, potential side effects, and incorrect dosing) and then provide medication counseling.

During this time, your pharmacist will take this opportunity to teach or review proper inhaler techniques and answer questions.

Some hospital transition programs offer follow-ups to reduce the risk of readmission to the hospital and COPD exacerbations. This constant communication between you, your pharmacist, and your healthcare team is critical to managing your condition.

9. Support system

Family members often are essential in supporting your COPD care. With your permission, pharmacists may work with your family members and teach them how to help with inhaler use, medication support, symptom management, answering medication questions, and making sure your vaccinations are up to date.

10. Collaborating with other healthcare providers

Collaboration between physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals involved in your care plan helps:

• reduce COPD exacerbations and hospitalizations
• improve medication schedules
• manage symptoms
• track vaccine records
• provide smoking cessation support
• address other concerns

Don’t hesitate to contact your pharmacist for additional assistance managing your COPD.