What better month to ask a pharmacist questions than March's Pharmacy Awareness Month

Pharmacist Janice Sumpton joined FAC for a question and answer session

March is Pharmacy Appreciation Month, a time to recognize the vital role the entire pharmacy team plays in supporting people living with fibromyalgia.

Living with fibromyalgia often involves complex medication plans, sensitivity to side effects, sleep disruption, fatigue, brain fog, and co-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression. Managing these symptoms safely and effectively requires knowledgeable support, careful coordination, and compassionate communication from your pharmacy team.

Pharmacy care is not provided by pharmacists alone. Pharmacy technicians, assistants, and support staff all contribute to safe medication dispensing, insurance navigation, accessibility, and continuity of care. For many people living with fibromyalgia, the pharmacy team is one of the most consistent and accessible points of contact within the healthcare system. People with fibromyalgia often feel more comfortable talking to their pharmacy team than they do talking to their doctor. Research shows the important role that pharmacy teams play in the management of fibromyalgia. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33959490/

Treatment approaches to fibromyalgia often include medications that affect nerve signaling, sleep regulation, and mood pathways. Understanding how these medications work and how they interact with other prescriptions, supplements, or over-the-counter products can improve confidence, safety, and self-management.

Join Fibromyalgia Association Canada (FAC) for an interactive Pharmacy Appreciation Month Question & Answer session with pharmacist Janice Sumpton, as we recognize the contributions of the entire pharmacy team.

This session is designed to be informative, practical, and empowering. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions in a respectful and supportive space while learning strategies to enhance medication safety and symptom management.

People with fibromyalgia could benefit from more conversation with pharmacy teams about all products they use, including supplements and over-the-counter options, to ensure safety and effectiveness in their overall regimen.

Pharmacy professionals are being educated to support fibromyalgia care, which reflects the profession’s commitment to evidence-based, patient-focused care.

Pharmacists can be active members of multidisciplinary care teams for fibromyalgia, helping to optimize medication plans and treatment decisions.

Emerging literature also highlights the complexity of medication patterns in fibromyalgia, including frequent medication changes, trial-and-error prescribing, and discontinuation due to side effects or limited benefit https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10653640/. Studies examining prescription trends show variability in the use of antidepressants, anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, and analgesics, underscoring the need for careful review and ongoing follow-up https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10653640/.

Pharmacy teams are well positioned to identify therapeutic duplication, monitor adherence challenges, and support gradual tapering when appropriate. As scope of practice expands in many provinces, pharmacists may also adapt prescriptions or provide direct medication assessments, further strengthening patient safety and continuity of care for individuals living with fibromyalgia.

Topics may include:

• Medications commonly prescribed for fibromyalgia and how they work
• Managing side effects and medication sensitivities
• Safe use of over-the-counter pain relievers and supplements
• Medication timing strategies to support sleep
• Avoiding drug interactions
• Communicating effectively with your pharmacy team and healthcare providers
• Understanding when to seek urgent medical care

*** NOTE: This session is not a personal medical consultation, but it is an opportunity to gain evidence-informed education from a pharmacist while acknowledging the broader team that helps ensure safe and accessible care.

Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been living with fibromyalgia for years, strengthening your understanding of medication management can be an important part of your self-management toolbox. Pharmacists, technicians, and pharmacy support staff are valuable partners in helping you navigate complex treatment plans with greater confidence.,

FAC is committed to recognizing the full healthcare team and promoting compassionate, collaborative care. We invite you to join us as we celebrate Pharmacy Appreciation Month and express gratitude to all pharmacy staff who support the fibromyalgia community every day. For more information on medications go here https://fibrocanada.ca/en/fact-sheets or here https://fibrocanada.ca/en/research-highlights