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Filling a Prescription

A customer presents a doctor's prescription to the pharmacist to get their prescribed medication and possibly asks about dosage or side effects.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Customer (Female)
Hi, I'm here to pick up a prescription. Here's my doctor's note.
2
Pharmacist (Male)
Okay, let me take a look at that. Please give me a few minutes to prepare it for you.
3
Customer (Female)
Sure, no problem. While you're doing that, could you tell me a bit about the dosage instructions for this medicine?
4
Pharmacist (Male)
Certainly. This medication is to be taken twice a day, one tablet each time, with food. It's best to take it in the morning and evening.
5
Customer (Female)
Okay, twice a day, one tablet with food. Got it. Are there any common side effects I should be aware of?
6
Pharmacist (Male)
Some people might experience mild dizziness or an upset stomach. If these symptoms are severe or persist, please contact your doctor.
7
Customer (Female)
Alright, mild dizziness or upset stomach. Thank you for the information. Is there anything else I should know?
8
Pharmacist (Male)
Yes, it's important to complete the full course of medication even if you start feeling better. And avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.
9
Customer (Female)
Got it. Complete the course and no alcohol. Thanks so much for your help!
10
Pharmacist (Male)
You're welcome. Here's your medication. Feel better soon!

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

prescription

A written order from a doctor telling the pharmacist what medicine to give you. Use it when picking up medicine at a pharmacy.

dosage

The amount and timing of medicine you should take. It's important to follow dosage to stay safe and healthy.

medication

Another word for medicine or drugs prescribed by a doctor. Use it in formal situations like talking to a pharmacist.

tablet

A small, solid pill you swallow. Common in pharmacies for oral medicine.

side effects

Unwanted or unexpected effects from taking medicine, like feeling dizzy. Always ask about them before starting a new drug.

dizziness

A feeling of being light-headed or unsteady. It's a common side effect mentioned in health talks.

upset stomach

Discomfort or pain in the stomach, often from food or medicine. Use this phrase to describe mild digestive issues.

course

The full period of treatment with medicine, from start to finish. Finishing the course prevents the illness from returning.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Hi, I'm here to pick up a prescription.

This is a polite way to start a conversation at a pharmacy. Use it when you have a doctor's order for medicine. It's simple and direct for everyday situations.

Could you tell me a bit about the dosage instructions for this medicine?

A polite request using 'could you' for asking information. Useful for getting details on how to take medicine. The phrase 'a bit about' makes it sound casual and friendly.

This medication is to be taken twice a day, one tablet each time, with food.

This explains instructions clearly using passive voice 'is to be taken' for formal advice. Learn it to understand or give dosage rules; 'with food' means during meals to avoid stomach issues.

Are there any common side effects I should be aware of?

A question to ask about risks, using 'be aware of' meaning 'know about.' It's practical for health visits to stay informed and safe.

If these symptoms are severe or persist, please contact your doctor.

Uses conditional 'if' for advice on when to seek help. 'Persist' means continue; this sentence teaches warning patterns in medical talks.

It's important to complete the full course of medication even if you start feeling better.

Emphasizes importance with 'it's important to' followed by a verb. Useful for reminding about finishing treatment; grammar shows obligation.

Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.

An imperative command 'avoid' meaning 'stay away from.' Short and direct for warnings; use in health advice to prevent interactions.

You're welcome. Here's your medication. Feel better soon!

A friendly closing response. 'You're welcome' answers thanks; 'feel better soon' is a common well-wish. Practice for polite endings in service situations.