The smiling staff of SaddleBrooke Drug is ready to serve the community. Left to right: Meghan Soop, certified pharmacy tech; Joel Rhoads, owner; Liala Martin, certified pharmacy tech and Justin Rhoads, pharmacy manager/owner. Photo by Dennis Korger
Joel and Justin Rhoads, owners of SaddleBrooke Drug in the SaddleBrooke commercial plaza, were the April speakers at the Stroke/Neuro Support Group educational meeting. Esta Goldstein, program chairperson for the group, was especially pleased to have them speak since their presentation marked the first time a pharmacy group had spoken in SaddleBrooke.
Both brothers are happy to be in business in SaddleBrooke and are impressed that most of our population is highly motivated to improving and maximizing personal health; meaning we do try to follow instructions. They aim to deliver prompt service with short waiting times and personal attention, but behind the counter modern technologically supported pharmaceutical knowledge and practice are paramount with climate controlled storage and preparation facilities.
Your pharmacist may be the only professional who knows how many drugs you are taking and whether there are likely to be problems with this mixture; many of us receive multiple prescriptions from multiple doctors. Also, the pharmacist can inform of recommendations for taking the medications. Medications currently available over the counter may have previously been available only by prescription. While this may mean you can buy the medication without seeing a physician, it does not mean that these medications do not have the potential for drug interactions.
Mail order pharmaceuticals are offered as tantalizing sources for delivery to your door. Most drugs are recommended for storage at 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Studies show that they may lose as much as 40% of their potency after one to two hours at temperatures of 200 degrees, which Arizona mailboxes can easily reach.
Examining drug coverage schedules for any prescription drug coverage plan is a head spinning experience for anyone, along with hurdles for pre-approval. Assistance in acquiring rare or little used medications is also a part of a pharmacist’s work.
SaddleBrooke Drug, “The way it used to be,” opened January 3, 2011. The building is owned by Robson Enterprises, as are all buildings in the commercial center, but was built to the Rhoads’ specifications. The Rhoads brothers started with Wilmot Pharmacy which was sold seven months ago, leaving them more time for the SaddleBrooke community and development of a growing business. They, along with three other brothers, were raised in the Oro Valley area and are graduates of Canyon del Oro High School. Justin holds a doctor of pharmacy degree from the University of Arizona. Joel’s wife is also a pharmacist, as are other members of the family.
Our group is now on the summer schedule of luncheon meetings on the third Friday of each month (June 20 this month) at 11:30 a.m. in the Roadrunner Grill. Please contact Liz Boyd (825-5587) or Arrah Jane Hill (825-7002), co-presidents, so that we may reserve a space at our table. Many thanks to Esta Goldstein for hosting the May picnic which was attended by more than 30 individuals.