Patient Education Programs

Our patient education programs include topics such as cholesterol, asthma, hypertension, medication, and a special diabetes management program. Our facility provides space and privacy for customers to talk one-on-one with pharmacists.

Other services we provide include:

Blood Glucose Monitor Training

We train patients to use their blood glucose monitoring equipment properly. Some monitors are easier to use because they have fewer steps to operate. Some machines use less blood or time to get results, but the training will show you how to correctly operate your testing system so you can ensure that you are getting the most accurate readings.

We will train you to properly store and check your testing supplies for your monitor. Because test strips and monitor supplies can be expensive, we can help you verify that your insurance company covers the cost of the supplies before purchasing your monitor.

Our staff will teach you how to properly clean and maintain your selected unit, and how to ensure your glucose monitor’s accuracy.

It is important, in addition to monitoring your blood glucose levels, that you maintain a written log of blood glucose test results. We will show you how to keep your testing records so you can take them with you to your doctor appointments.

Face-To-Face Diabetes Program with PEIA

If you have PEIA insurance and are a diabetic, this program can help improve your health and save you money.

In this program, pharmacists work with you to teach you about your condition, train you on the use of your testing meter, track your blood sugar level, and evaluate and track your medications to help you achieve the best level of health.

For more information, visit the West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency Face To Face Care Management Program web site.

Information About Over-the-Counter Medications

Some over-the-counter medications can interfere with prescribed medications, so pharmacists work with you to determine which nonprescription drugs you can use safely.

Cholesterol Testing

WVU Pharmacy offers cholesterol testing. Having your LDL cholesterol levels regularly checked is an excellent way to gauge your risk for heart disease.

There are two types of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). An abundance of LDL (aka “bad cholesterol”) in your blood clogs the arteries and increases your risk of coronary heart disease. Conversely, if your HDL (aka “good cholesterol”) is higher you will lower your risk of coronary artery disease.

By having your cholesterol checked, you can determine if you need to lower your LDL levels. If your LDL levels are less than 130 mg/dL you are in the desirable range, if they are between 130-159 mg/dL, your borderline and if the numbers are 160 mg/dL or higher, you are at high risk for coronary heart disease.

By lowering your cholesterol level you can prevent heart disease or reduce your risk for a heart attack

Osteoporosis Screenings

The Medical Center Pharmacy offers periodic osteoporosis screenings.

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks. These broken bones, occur typically in the hip, spine and wrist.

Women are four times more likely than men to develop the disease, but men also suffer from osteoporosis.

Watch for an announcement of when our next scheduled screening session will take place. Appointments can be scheduled and the charge for the test is $10. Call the pharmacy at 304-598-4848 to schedule an appointment.

The proceeds from all the screenings support the Betty Puskar Breast Care Center's CASSIE Fund, which provides breast-imaging services to uninsured or underinsured women who don't qualify for state or federally funded programs.

Pharmacy Compounding Services

Compounding Services also called extemporaneous compounding is how unique custom drug strengths and dosage forms are made. Sometimes you may need a combination of medications, or dose strength, or a dosage form that is not manufactured. In these instances your physician writes a prescription for what you need, and the compounding pharmacy mixes the needed medication.

Advantages Include:

Prescription flavoring to help children take their medicine
Tailored medicinal therapy
Make easier to use dosage forms –for children and those with difficulty swallowing
Make unavailable strengths
Make unavailable combinations of medications
You are not limited by market driven mass-produced medications